Birmingham Cover June 2018.Qxp Birmingham Cover 23/05/2018 16:15 Page 1

Birmingham Cover June 2018.qxp_Birmingham Cover 23/05/2018 16:15 Page 1

KATY PERRY PLAYS Your FREE essential entertainment guide for the Midlands ARENA BIRMINGHAM BIRMINGHAM WHAT’S ON JUNE 2018 Birmingham ISSUE 390 JUNE 2018 ’ WhatFILM I COMEDY I THEATRE I GIGS I VISUAL ARTS I EVENTSs I FOOD Onbirminghamwhatson.co.uk

PARTOF WHAT’S ON MEDIA GROUP inside:

Yourthe 16-pagelist week by week listings guide

NEW CREATION the return of Birmingham International Dance Festival WTE:@WHATSONBRUMTWITTER:

AliceVAMPIRES Cooper, Johnny UNITE Depp & Joe Perry at Genting Arena FACEBOOK:@WHATSONBIRMINGHAM

FOODIES PARADISE Celebrity chefs aplenty at BBC Good Food Show BIRMINGHAMWHATSON.CO.UK BRB Romeo F/P June 2018.qxp_Layout 1 23/05/2018 10:35 Page 1 Contents June Birmingham.qxp_Layout 1 23/05/2018 11:11 Page 2

June 2018

Contents

Elements Of Freestyle - presents ‘a fresh look at urban arts’ more on page 37

Ivo Dimchev Sheryl Crow Woyzeck the list

performance artist talks about the nine-time Grammy Award The REP’s home-produced show Your 16-page bringing his P Project to Brum winner plays Symphony Hall makes its debut week-by-week listings guide feature page 8 page 15 page 24 page 51 inside:

4. First Word 11. Food 15. Music 21. Comedy 24. Theatre 41. Film 44. Visual Arts 47. Events

@whatsonbrum fb.com/whatsonbirmingham @whatsonmediagroup Birmingham What’s On Magazine Birmingham What’s On Magazine What’s On Media Group

Managing Director: Davina Evans [email protected] 01743 281708 ’ Sales & Marketing: Lei Woodhouse [email protected] 01743 281703 Chris Horton [email protected] 01743 281704 WhatsOn Editorial: Lauren Foster [email protected] 01743 281707 Brian O’Faolain [email protected] 01743 281701 MEDIA GROUP Sue Jones [email protected] 01743 281705 Abi Whitehouse [email protected] 01743 281716 Ellie Hutchings [email protected] 01743 281722 Adrian Parker [email protected] 01743 281714 Contributors: Graham Bostock, James Cameron-Wilson, Katherine Ewing, Jenny Ell, Lauren Cole, Steve Adams, Jack Rolfe, Elly Yates-Roberts, Daisy Sparkle, Carol Lovatt, Steve Taylor, Chris Eldon Lee, Patsy Moss Publisher and CEO: Martin Monahan Accounts Administrator: Julia Perry [email protected] 01743 281717 This publication is printed on paper from a sustainable source and is produced without the use of elemental chlorine. We endorse the recycling of our magazine and would encourage you to pass it on to others to read when you have finished with it. All works appearing in this publication are copyright. It is to be assumed that the copyright for material rests with the magazine unless otherwise stated. No part of this publication may be reproduced, or stored in an electronic system, transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopied, recording or otherwise, without the prior knowledge and consent of the publishers. First Word Birmingham June.qxp_Layout 1 23/05/2018 12:34 Page 1

Entertainment news from around the region

Double delight for fans of Birmingham folk group Birmingham band The Conservatoire Folk Ensemble are set to release a new mini- album - on the same day that they hold their fifth Power Folk festival at Digbeth's Spotted Dog (Sunday 10 June). Sleepy Maggie + Remixes Reworkings And Rarities features a four-and-a-half-minute instrumental and various other remixed and reimagined versions of the track. Commenting on the new record, band leader Joe Broughton said: “The idea of remixing the instrumental track, Sleepy Maggie, is very much in keeping with the group’s approach to making music, of using what could be a straightforward melody as the basis for a tune and seeing how that can be developed.” For more information about the album, and Power Folk festival, visit folkensemble.co.uk

Brum theatre launches Tinkling the ivories Dance Hub Birmingham ‘creative conversations’ Royal Birmingham Conservatoire is this announces new funding Birmingham Hippodrome has launched a month hosting the city’s International Piano Dance Hub Birmingham has announced that new series of ‘thought-provoking’ lunchtime Festival. it will provide funding for a number of local events. Taking place at the venue from 11 to 15 June, dance practitioners and companies, in order Creative Conversations will explore the role the festival features guest appearances by to further establish the region’s position as and impact of the creative industries on some of the world’s greatest pianists, includ- an international centre of excellence for urban place-making, regeneration, education ing Tchaikovsky Competition silver medallist dance. and employment. Peter Donohoe (pictured). Commenting on the announcement, the or- The first conversation takes place on Monday The programme also includes a rare recital ganisation’s director, Monique Deletant, 11 June, with BBC broadcaster Mishal Husain by the legendary Paul Badura-Skoda. said: “Dance Hub Birmingham is bringing (Pictured) and Catherine Mallyon, Executive Another Tchaikovsky silver medallist, Natalia additional investment to the dance sector in Director of the Royal Shakespeare Company, Trull, performs Brahms, Mozart, Chopin and the West Midlands, ensuring independent taking part. Debussy... For further information, visit artists have professional development oppor- Commenting on the new series, Judith Green- bcu.ac.uk/concerts tunities and enabling more new dance to be burgh, Head of Business Development at created here. In doing so, we continue to es- Birmingham Hippodrome, said: “At this excit- tablish the region’s position as an interna- ing time in Birmingham's transformation into tional centre of excellence for dance.” a global city, these invigorating lunchtime Q&As offer the chance to probe into the impact of the creative industries on our region's economy and beyond.” For more information, visit birminghamhip- podrome.com/creativeconversations

Tom Gates live on stage! Birmingham Stage Company will next year tour a brand new production inspired by author and illustrator Liz Pichon’s award-winning Tom Gates books. The new show, written especially for the stage, visits Birm- ingham’s New Alexandra Theatre from Wednesday 13 to Saturday 16 March 2019. For more information, visit atgtickets.com

4 whatsonlive.co.uk First Word Birmingham June.qxp_Layout 1 23/05/2018 12:34 Page 2

First Word

CBSO announces new season The City of Birmingham Sym- phony Orchestra (CBSO) has announced its 2018/19 concert season at Symphony Hall. The line-up features UK premieres, concerts marking historic events in the Baltic States, the return of Sir Simon Rattle and a wealth of international artists making their CBSO de- buts. For further information, visit cbso.co.uk

Indian film festival returns to the city Birmingham Indian Film Festi- val makes a welcome return this month. Now in its fourth year, the event takes place from Friday 22 June to Sunday 1 July. Films will be screened at Cineworld Broad Street, MAC Birmingham and The Mockingbird Cinema & Kitchen. For more information, visit birminghamindianfilmfes- tival.co.uk

Birmingham experimental music festival is just Supersonic An experimental music and arts event is making a return to Birmingham this month. Supersonic Festival was first held in the city in 2003 and brings together live performance with visual art, audience participation and kids’ gigs. This year’s event takes place in Digbeth from Friday 22 to Sunday 24 June. For more information, visit supersonicfestival.com

Making it up as Grammy Award winners return to Brum they go along... Grammy Award-winning a capella group Take 6 return to Birming- ham next month to perform at Symphony Hall. The team behind hit West The Friday 20 July concert is their only full UK show of 2018. End show The Play That The group, who’ve been praised by luminaries including Ray Goes Wrong are returning to Charles, Stevie Wonder, Brian Wilson, Ella Fitzgerald and Whitney the Midlands to present an Houston, last year celebrated their 25th anniversary. For more infor- New music event improvised movie - live on mation about their Birmingham show, visit thsh.co.uk set to Shiiine stage! Birmingham’s Genting Arena Mischief Theatre will be tak- will host a new one-day music ing suggestions from the au- festival this autumn. dience for the film’s genre, Shiiine On Festival will feature location and title. The tal- more than 20 iconic bands - in- ented ensemble will then cluding Orbital, Shed Seven, create a ‘movie’, complete Happy Mondays and Julian with rewinds, fast forwards, Cope - and a Hacienda after- director’s cuts and a live party. The event takes place on Satur- score. Mischief Movie Night day 8 September. More informa- runs at Birmingham Hippo- tion is available by visiting drome from Tuesday 26 June gentingarena.co.uk to Sunday 1 July. whatsonlive.co.uk 5 First Word Birmingham June.qxp_Layout 1 23/05/2018 12:34 Page 3

First Word

Lichfield woman lands Lego job A HR administrator from Lichfield has landed the cov- eted title of official Master Model Builder at Birming- ham’s new Legoland Discov- ery Centre. Thirty-seven-year-old Michelle Thompson beat 7,000 other applicants to land the job. As the official Master Model Builder, she will construct attraction structures, curate exhibitions and mentor children and families in the creation of their own model master- pieces in the centre’s Cre- ative Workshop. Midlands dance-circus company becomes part of the furniture Midlands dance-circus company Motionhouse has ing programme through the National Lottery. joined forces with furniture manufacturer Vitsœ to Commenting on the initiative, Peter Knott, Area Di- pioneer ‘a vibrant working community’ in the lat- rector for Arts Council England, said: “Together, ter’s new production building in Leamington Spa. Vitsœ and Motionhouse can inspire and comple- The two companies are ‘uniting arts and business in ment each other, blending the best of art and busi- one inspirational space’ with the assistance of ness to form a unique and productive atmosphere £377,087 from Arts Council England’s capital fund- where creativity can thrive.”

Gay orchestra Festival recognises #ExtraordinaryWomen Superprix could celebrates 10th To mark the women's suffrage centenary, return to Brum anniversary next month’s Lichfield Festival (various Birmingham’s Superprix venues, 4 to 14 July) will feature a series could be set to make a return of shows, concerts and events on the for the first time in almost 30 theme of #ExtraordinaryWomen. years. Highlights include artist-in-residence Jes- West Midlands mayor Andy sica Walker’s specially curated cabaret, Street has confirmed that he Birmingham Gay Sym- Soldiers, Sirens And Suffragettes, the is in negotiations to revive phony Orchestra (BGSO) Malachites Theatre Company’s suffrage- the race as a Formula E is this month celebrating inspired reworking of The Taming Of The event. its 10th anniversary by Shrew, and Fascinating Aida star Liza Commenting on the news, performing a special con- Pulman’s homage to Barbra Streisand. the mayor said: “We are now cert at Royal Birmingham For full details of all Lichfield Festival in the advanced stages of Conservatoire. events, visit lichfieldfestival.org these negotiations. We are Considered by many to be eager for two main reasons. one of the UK’s most vi- First, it means we can show- brant non-professional case to the world the chang- orchestras, BGSO will be Birmingham and Coventry submit bids to ing face of Birmingham city playing a wide selection bring Channel Four to the West Midlands centre, which has seen un- of music, from John Birmingham and Coventry have both formally submitted a bid to bring precedented investment in Williams’ score for Juras- Channel Four to the West Midlands. recent years. Secondly, and sic Park to Tchaikovsky’s As part of its ‘4 All The UK’ strategy, Channel Four wants to exist in three lo- perhaps more importantly, it Swan Lake. cations outside London - one of which will become its headquarters. showcases our region’s posi- The concert takes place at The shortlist is being announced in the days immediately following our tion as a world leader in the Conservatoire on Sat- going to print, with the final decision coming later in the year. The move is next-generation automotive urday 16 June. expected to happen in early 2019. technologies.”

6 whatsonlive.co.uk First Word Birmingham June.qxp_Layout 1 23/05/2018 12:34 Page 4 Ivo Dimchev What's On.qxp_Layout 1 23/05/2018 17:19 Page 1

IVO DIMCHEV doles out the dosh for P-Project

At the end of the day, anyone who “performs on stage works for money - we just don’t see the exchange. ” 8 whatsonlive.co.uk Ivo Dimchev What's On.qxp_Layout 1 23/05/2018 17:19 Page 2

by Patsy Moss

Performance artist Ivo Dimchev’s work is often described as provocative and ‘off the wall’. In a rare visit to the UK, Ivo next month performs in Birmingham as part of the city’s acclaimed BE Festival. Prior to that, he’ll be showcasing his musical prowess in a solo production at Birmingham REP. In P-Project - an interactive performance based on several words beginning with the letter P - Ivo uses cash in- centives to entice audience members to become involved. What’s On recently caught up with the Bulgarian artist to find out what audiences can expect from his shows...

How would you best describe your but I was unhappy with it because of the on stage, so they’re naturally very shy. Their art form, Ivo? restrictions you have when you try to sing. dance isn’t great, but they’re so beautiful in Probably schizophrenic. I have very diverse There was always a right and wrong way to do their vulnerability and shyness. It’s just what interests and a big passion for theatre and things, and I didn’t like it. I got frustrated, so they are. There’s also a fake sex scene, which acting. I guess it’s very messed up, but I’m I quit those vocal lessons. I started to develop is sure to be a failure. The couple meet each very happy that these things - my different in- my voice by myself. It’s always been a passion, other for the first time on stage and they’re terests - can collide and support each other. but I’ve never looked at it professionally. just there to earn some money - £220, for ex- Of course, it really depends on the context ample. Of course, as a sex scene it fails, but You’ve described your work as being and where I present my work. When I have it’s so funny and entertaining. provocative. Is there anywhere you’d concerts in the music venues, I don’t pretend dare not tread? Are audiences generally prepared I’m a visual artist or a choreographer - I’m a for what they see in your shows? singer-songwriter and I’m okay with that. Nothing is forbidden. The more unusual the subject or topic is, the more interesting it is to I think so, yes. I’m quite experienced as a You sing, dance, draw, write and perform. me. Themes alone are not interesting; it’s the performer and I will make them feel very Which of these came first? relations an artist creates between topics or el- comfortable. Nobody is forced to do Theatre was the first thing. I had a lot of trou- ements that’s interesting. anything, and there’s nothing really ble as a kid, which caused me to be bullied. I I’m not a fan of violence; I’m very respectful horrifying or difficult. stepped into the professional theatre when I and audience-friendly, I think. When I deal How does the reaction of British was 12 years old and channeled all my extrav- with a very difficult topic, I ensure that people audiences to your work vary to reactions agance into that, which acted as a kind of re- understand the context, and that it won’t in other European countries? lief. It was the first sense of freedom I’d cause a sense of rejection or disgust. I’m very experienced, and I was accepted for who I careful in my articulation if a subject is more I’ve been invited to the UK twice in my life. was. I was also singing all the time, but I did- forbidden, dangerous or weird. I have to be Because my shows’ genres aren’t very clear, it n’t take it seriously. clear and precise because it’s very easy to of- probably makes it feel uncomfortable for fend people and cause them to leave. I don’t British audiences. I suppose there’s some Who has inspired you the most as a want to be that type of artist. conservatism in Britain, and this is probably performer? one of the reasons I perform very rarely in the Tell us about P Project, which you’ll When I was a kid, I was inspired a lot by UK. I think it’s due to the UK’s performing be performing at BE Festival... Charlie Chaplin and Elvis. Later on in life - in arts scene being very compartmentalised - my early teenage years - I liked Elton John. In P Project is the first project I did with dra- this is dance, this is theatre, this is a concert. Bulgaria he was the only gay artist I knew - maturgical interaction with the audience. If you blur the lines, it’s more difficult - and I needed someone to look up to. The whole project is made up from an idea maybe not for the audience but for the pro- based on elements of our failing. The show grammers of the institutions. Are you able to describe a typical explores the taboos in our minds towards Ivo Dimchev audience? money. I offer money for people to collabo- What’s next on the horizon for you? I’m very happy with the ‘contemporary art rate with me on stage, whether it’s to write Right after my shows in Birmingham, I have audience’ label. My shows have been de- or dance or do different performances, and concerts in Estonia, Portugal, the Nether- scribed as provocative and difficult for some I offer them part of my fee. The money is lands and Vienna. I’ll also be in Vienna for a people, as they push boundaries. I know my transferred on stage for the different tasks. month teaching whilst performing some con- audiences are built of elitists and my shows Sometimes people in the audience feel certs. I’ve also been invited to audition for are not to everyone’s taste. Audiences are uncomfortable about it - they connect it to The X Factor, so I’ll be looking forward to usually built up of artists, young students and prostitution or something really bad. that, too. kind of more intelligent people who know Sometimes they blame me for showing how more about culture. They’re generally comfort- greedy people are and what they’ll do just able watching something they don’t really to earn a bit of money. At the end of the day, know and might not have an interest in. Now anyone who performs on stage works for Ivo Dimchev performs his solo show, I’m singing songs, my audiences are expand- money - we just don’t see the exchange. under the name of I-VO, at Birmingham ing - I’m seeing children and groups of REP on Saturday 30 June. He then returns What tasks do you set your audience? grannies at my concerts. to present P-Project (a co-presentation They’re invited to take to the stage to dance with Fierce) as part of BE Festival on You have a very diverse vocal range. Have or perform whatever task I instruct them to Tuesday 3 July. For information visit be- you received any formal vocal training? do for money - £20, £30 or £40. These people festival.org When I was 20 years old I tried to study opera, aren’t dancers and it’s usually their first time

whatsonlive.co.uk 9 Food June Birmingham.qxp_Layout 1 23/05/2018 17:35 Page 1 Food June Birmingham.qxp_Layout 1 23/05/2018 17:35 Page 2

Food

Thai Express to open in Brum’s Grand Central A new Thai street food restaurant is launching in Birmingham city centre. Opening in Grand Central on Saturday 9 June, Thai Express will be serving tasty meals that are ‘perfect for on the go’. The menu includes crunchy spring rolls, chicken dumplings, spicy soups and pad Thai. All dishes are made in under two minutes. Japanese restaurant’s Happiawa Fridays Birmingham Japanese restaurant Nozomi has launched a new ‘happy hour’ initiative to start the weekend. Happiawa Fridays not only provides customers with two-for-one cocktails from 5pm to 9pm every Friday, but also includes a free selected plate of food Holy Moly! Birmingham entrepreneur to open new eatery with every drink purchased. Options Birmingham entrepreneur Anthony Duffy is set friends and family together for a unique, enjoy- include sushi, wings, edamame beans to open his first ever restaurant late this month. able experience, and that’s what Holy Moly is and chicken lollipops. For more Dishes available at Holy Moly Macaroni, lo- all about. It gives me such pride to open an in- information, visit nozomi.co.uk cated in the city’s Grand Central, will include dependent restaurant in Birmingham that has four cheese macaroni, double-dipped fried its individuality and personality. It’s not a cor- Jewellery Quarter gets chicken in a ginger beer batter, and baby back porate and never will be. I want to openly invite eight-hour smoked ribs. Lactose-free, gluten- everybody from Birmingham to come and try new rotisserie chicken free and vegan options are also available. just how good mac’n’cheese can be. You won’t restaurant and bar Commenting on the launch, Anthony said: regret it!” “Good food is just so important; it can bring

World Gin Day celebrated at Birmingham museum Get ready for a ‘glamorous’ night at the Lovatt, will be served alongside a museum as Edinburgh Gin teams up with complementary gin. Tickets cost £85 and must Birmingham Museum & Art Gallery to celebrate be booked in advance. To do so, visit World Gin Day on Saturday 9 June. A six-course birminghammuseums.org.uk. meal, created by Executive Chef Christopher

New chicken restaurant & cocktail bar Rebel Chicken is opening on Friday 1 June in Birmingham’s historic Jewellery Quarter. The new restaurant will serve ‘twice- marinated, spit-roasted, free-range, locally sourced and expertly prepared chicken’, as well as numerous other meals, including a Caesar salad sharer, buffalo hot wings and veggie bean burgers. Sides, cocktails, craft beers and a wide range of spirits will also be available. whatsonlive.co.uk 11 Food June Birmingham.qxp_Layout 1 23/05/2018 17:35 Page 3

12 whatsonlive.co.uk Food June Birmingham.qxp_Layout 1 23/05/2018 17:35 Page 4

Food

Super-cool ice cream arrives at Selfridges A new concept in ice cream - made using liquid nitrogen - has launched in Selfridges Birmingham. Nitrogenie takes the freshest milk and cream, selected ingredients such as fruit, chocolate, biscuit and nuts, and freezes them using liquid nitrogen in special mixers. Originally launching in Australia, Nitrogenie prides itself on its weekly changing menus and ‘fantastic’ combinations of ingredients, including honeycomb, natural salted caramel and lemon meringue pie. Smokey Barrels Bar & Grill opens in Brum New restaurant Smokey Barrels Bar & Grill has opened on Birmingham's Coventry Road. The new venue features a menu that’s full of smokehouse favourites, Acclaimed chef opens new Birmingham city centre venue including low and slow ribs, pulled Acclaimed chef Richard Turner has opened a new Birmingham restaurant. pork, ultimate burgers and rib-eye One of many recent additions to the city’s thriving culinary scene, Maribel is located at the steaks, all prepared on the in-house Brindleyplace premises previously occupied by Edmunds. hickory smoker. The new eatery’s menu, set to change weekly to reflect the best seasonal produce, features eight, six and four-course options, as well as a special two-course option for lunchtimes. A summer of skinny Commenting on his latest venture, Richard said: “It’s so great to be back in the kitchen, especially cocktails beckons... in such a fantastic new venue. I’ve always had such great support from Birmingham throughout my career, and it’s my intention to deliver something really special for the city yet again!” The mixology team at Bar Opus have To book a table, visit maribelrestaurant.co.uk come up with some low-calorie twists on classic cocktails. Their menu features Gin Martini, Gin & Tonic, Tom Collins, Gimlet, French 75, MasterChef 2018 winner to appear at Foodies Festival Greyhound and Skinny Lager. MasterChef 2018 winner Kenny Tutt is to ap- Each drink is under 180 calories, pear at this month’s Birmingham Foodies making getting into shape for the Festival. summer seem a whole lot easier! Other attractions at the three-day event include a range of street food, an artisan producers market, the chance to meet Michelin-star chefs Glynn Purnell and Brad Carter, cream-pie throwing, chilli-eating competitions, and prosecco and parmesan masterclasses. Live music comes from Toploader, The Hoosiers and Dodgy, all of whom will be playing on the brand new Mu- sicians Against Homelessness music stage. There’s plenty at the event for youngsters to enjoy too, including a kidzone with craft area, a bouncy castle, face painting and the Kids Cookery Theatre. The Birmingham Foodies Festival takes place in Cannon Hill Park from Friday 22 to Sunday 24 June. whatsonlive.co.uk 13 GIGS June Birmingham.qxp_Layout 1 23/05/2018 17:38 Page 1 GIGS June Birmingham.qxp_Layout 1 23/05/2018 17:38 Page 2

Gigs

Grafton Ash The Actress & Bishop, Birmingham, Fri 22 June Worcestershire pop/folk band Grafton Ash released their debut EP, Avalanche, in summer 2015. It quickly gained attention and backing from BBC Introducing, and won Track Of The Week twice. Fusing electronic and acoustic styles, accompanied by strong vocal har- monies and subtle, meaningful lyrics, the four-piece are making good progress in a career that shows plenty of promise.

Hollywood Vampires other’. The gig will include the boys’ original single, Bad As I Am, and renditions of Genting Arena, Birmingham, Sat 16 June some iconic rock favourites. Featuring Alice Cooper, Johnny Depp (yes, Support comes from The Darkness and The Sheryl Crow Johnny Depp!) and Aerosmith lead guitarist Damned. There will also be appearances by Joe Perry, Hollywood Vampires promises to some ‘superstar friends’ whose identities Symphony Hall, Birmingham, Tues 19 June be a ‘non-stop, energetic concert like no have yet to be revealed. Nine-time Grammy Award winner Sheryl Crow has released 10 studio albums which have collectively sold over 35 million copies worldwide. Damian ‘Jr Gong’ Marley With number one hits including The First Cut O2 Academy, Birmingham, Sat 30 June Is The Deepest, All I Wanna Do and Soak Up The youngest son of Bob Marley, Grammy The Sun, Crow has had more number one sin- Award-winning artist Damian is embarking gles in the Triple A Listings than any other fe- on his first solo UK tour since the release of male artist. critically acclaimed album Stony Hill. She visits Birmingham in support of latest Best known for songs Welcome To Jamrock album Be Myself, released last year. and Road To Zion, and albums such as Dis- tant Relatives (on which he collaborated with Nas), Damian is the only reggae artist to win two Grammys on the same night. Katy Perry NOFX Arena Birmingham, Mon 18 June Singer-songwriter Katy Perry made her Capi- O2 Institute, Birmingham, Thurs 14 June tol Records debut with 2008’s One Of The Punk rock band NOFX are this month bring- Boys. In her 10 years with the label, she’s ing their loud, wild and spectacularly full- racked up more than 18 billion streams and throttle live performance to the UK for the worldwide sales of over 40 million adjusted first time in three years. albums and 125 million tracks. Forming way back in 1983, the four-piece Chained To The Rhythm, the first single came out of the same fiery furnaces of the from her new album, has become the LA hardcore scene as Bad Religion, Suicidal biggest UK airplay hit of the past 12 months. Tendencies, The Germs and Descendants. In the process it set an all-time Spotify Label mates Bad Cop Bad Cop offer support record for the best first day of streaming of a for this Birmingham date. single track by a female artist. whatsonlive.co.uk 15 Classical June Birmingham.qxp_Layout 1 23/05/2018 11:10 Page 1

16 whatsonlive.co.uk Classical June Birmingham.qxp_Layout 1 23/05/2018 11:10 Page 2

Classical

Last Night Of The Summer Proms Symphony Hall, Birmingham, Sat 30 June As quintessentially English as cucumber sandwiches and Pimms, the ever-popular Last Night Of The Summer Proms promises to provide an evening of uplift- ing classics and prom favourites. Works from some of the world’s greatest composers will be played out alongside rousing favourites Rule, Britannia!, Land Of Hope And Glory, Nessun Dorma and The Dam Busters March. The concert is performed by the London Concert Orches- tra and features soprano Anna Patalong (pictured) with Hilary Davan Wetton con- ducting.

Ex Cathedra: Summer Music By Candlelight Birmingham Cathedral, Tues 19 & Wed 20 June Jeffrey Skidmore once again takes the baton to conduct Birmingham’s highly rated early music ensemble, this time in a midsummer night’s concert that promises to transport the audience to an enchanted world. The programmes for these annual concerts, presented by candlelight as dusk falls, move seamlessly from seasonal favourites to rare, rediscovered, contemporary and lighter repertoire. Compositions by both Debussy and Gershwin are featured in the 2018 line-up of works.

Birmingham Bach Choir CBSO: Thallein Ensemble & St Alban’s Church, Birmingham, Sat 30 June Pelléas Et Mélisande Jennifer Walshe One of the city's oldest and most distin- Symphony Hall, Birmingham, Sat 23 June Royal Birmingham Conservatoire, guished musical groups here gets its collec- Fri 22 June tive teeth into a programme of The Royal Birmingham Conservatoire’s ‘sun-drenched Italian choral music span- Thallein Ensemble turn their attention to ning four centuries’. the work of Jennifer Walshe, a composer Highlights from the programme include whose star has most definitely been in the madrigals by Claudio Monteverdi and Carlo ascendant in recent times. Developing Gesualdo, the latter of whom murdered his since 2007 a project, Grúpat, in which wife and her lover on discovering them ‘in she’s assumed 12 different alter egos, Wal- the act’. Works by Lotti, Gabrieli, Rossini she has also created a fictional history of and Pizzetti also feature. Paul Spicer (pic- the musical avant-garde in Ireland. tured) conducts. Thallein here perform work from across The City of Birmingham Symphony Orches- the Dublin-born composer’s career. tra’s Music Director, Mirga Gražinyt -Tyla (pictured), here conducts Debussy’sė fairytale opera. The concert brings to a close the orchestra’s celebration of the legendary French composer on the 100th anniversary of his death. The CBSO are joined by a stellar cast to tell the story of Mélisande, a princess who, after falling in love, finds herself exposed to pas- sions which are both wonderful and deadly. The production features a 60-minute inter- val after act three. whatsonlive.co.uk 17 Festivals June (1)-2.qxp_Layout 1 23/05/2018 15:45 Page 1

18 whatsonlive.co.uk Festivals June (1)-2.qxp_Layout 1 23/05/2018 17:51 Page 2

Festivals

Download Festival Donington Park, Derby, Fri 8 & Sun 10 June Upton Jazz Festival With top billing consistently taken by some owing its name partly to its pioneering use Upton-upon-Severn, Thurs 21 - Sun 24 June of the biggest names in rock and metal, it's of technology to connect with audiences Now in its 33rd year, the Upton Jazz Festival not hard to see why Download is one of the and build a community around the event. boasts a star-studded international line-up - most popular and well-attended festivals in Line-up includes: Guns N’ Roses (pic- including bands from the US - and annually the UK. tured), Ozzy Osbourne, Avenged Sevenfold, attracts thousands of jazz fans from across Conceived as a follow-up to Donington Bullet For My Valentine, Black Stone Cherry, the country. Park's previous Monsters Of Rock Festival, Marilyn Manson, Volbeat, Thunder, Shine- Festival-goers can expect more than 50 gigs Download makes its 16th outing this year, down, Rise Against and Parkway Drive in Upton’s renowned pubs and clubs, as well as riverboat shuffles aboard the town’s iconic Conway Castle river cruiser. There’s also a lively fringe festival to enjoy, which raises money for the Nathan Tomkins Trust. In addition, the festival’s well-regarded Best Of Young Jazz programme showcases rising jazz stars from schools, colleges and conser- vatoires across the region. Line-up includes: Mama Shakers, Jazz Con- nection, Les Zauto Stompers, James Evans, Vitality Five, The Water Gypsies, Jake Leg Jug Band, Madi Stimpson, Tom Bell, Alan Barnes, Amy Roberts, Robert Fowler, Keith Nicholls and Craig Milverton

Lichfield Blues & Jazz Acoustic Festival Of Lichfield Guildhall & other city centre venues, Great Britain Fri 1 - Sun 3 June Uttoxeter Racecourse, Staffordshire, Having launched in 2015, this growing festi- Fri 1 - Sun 3 June val is fast establishing itself as a firm fixture Standing out from the crowd of ever-louder on Lichfield’s cultural calendar. electronic festivals, the Acoustic Festival Of Taking place across multiple city centre Great Britain marks a welcome return to the venues, the long weekend celebrates the basics of good-quality music. best in local jazz and blues talent, as well as Stripped back, unplugged performances are showcasing quality musicianship from fur- the focus of this relaxed, friendly event. ther afield. Concerts can be booked individ- Beyond that, it's open to music of all genres. ually, with an assortment of hands-on With five-star-rated camping infrastructure, workshops and lively street bands to enjoy glamping options, seated food tents and alongside the main acts. kids' play areas, it's the perfect way to spend Line-up includes: King Pleasure & The Bis- Tenbury Music Festival a lazy weekend with the family. cuit Boys (pictured), Stan Webb, Robert Line-up includes: Dire Straits, Steve Harley, Jackson, Zoe Green, Emma Jonson, Steve The Burgage Recreation Ground, Tenbury Wells, Sat 30 June Ferocious Dog, Think Floyd, Chris Difford, Ajao’s Blues Giants, The Shooters, Theo Urban Folk Quartet, Lucy Ward (pictured), Now in its fourth year, the one-day Tenbury Travis, Annie Whitehead and Sara Gillespie. Brooks Williams, Juzzie Smith, The Whiskey Music Festival is a family-friendly event fea- Rebellion, The Jar Family, Sian Evans and turing multiple stages, renowned food & Eric Faulkner drink stalls, camping opportunities and (of course) plenty of live music. Although the festival itself is taking place on the Saturday, there will be a Friday night screening of The Who’s 1975 rock-opera movie, Tommy, at re- stored art deco cinema The Regal. Line-up inclu des: Lightning Seeds (pictured), Arcadia Roots, Blue Moon, Dissident Prophet, Stone Mountain Sinners, Rain- breakers, Redwood, 4 Men Called Bob, Shannon Flynn, Alphabetbackwards, Jon- can Kavlakoglu and Liquorice Lounge whatsonlive.co.uk 19 Comedy June .qxp_Layout 1 23/05/2018 11:19 Page 1 Comedy June .qxp_Layout 1 23/05/2018 11:19 Page 2

Comedy

The Muslims Are Coming The Glee Club, Birmingham, Sun 17 June Described as a ‘halal-arious family-friendly comedy show to celebrate the end of Ra- madan and Eid’, The Muslims Are Coming features Noreen Khan (pictured), Ali Offi- cial, Eshaan Akbar, Aatif Nawaz and local lad Guz Khan. Former school teacher Guz shot to relative fame a handful of years ago after seeing his YouTube clips go viral. “I think it’s important to push against boundaries with comedy,” says Guz, “and while I like to make people laugh while exploring is- sues such as religion, race and gender, I’m not somebody looking Flight Of The Conchords to cause offence Genting Arena, Birmingham, Tuesday 26 June just because I New Zealand folk comedy duo Jemaine Clement and Bret McKenzie stop off in Birmingham can.” - albeit a little later in the year than expected - as part of a brand new UK and Ireland tour, their first in seven years. Their appearance in the city has been somewhat delayed due to Brett breaking bones in his hand while falling down the stairs. Mischief Movie Night The pair have previously billed themselves as ‘formerly New Zealand's fourth most popular Patrick Studio, Birmingham Hippodrome, guitar-based digi-bongo acapella-rap-funk-comedy folk duo’. Their show sees them com- Tues 26 June - Sun 1 July bining witty observation, characterisation and acoustic guitar music to excellent effect. Mischief Theatre, the award-winning company behind smash-hit comedy The Play That Goes Wrong, make a welcome return to the Midlands to present an improvised movie live on stage. Taking suggestions from the audience for the film’s genre, location and title, the talented ensemble will then bring to life ‘a comedy blockbuster’ of a show, complete with rewinds, fast forwards, director’s cuts and a live score.

Angela Barnes Warwick Arts Centre, Coventry, Sat 16 June When Angela Barnes’s inspirational father died, it proved to be the catalyst for her to finally follow his advice and hurl herself into the rough, tough world of stand- up comedy. And if her Edinbrum early-career success is MAC Birmingham, various dates between Thurs 7 June & Thurs 26 July anything to go by, she’s Yep, it’s that time of year again, when all good comedians stop off at MAC Birmingham to certainly made the try out their new material en route to the Edinburgh Festival. right decision. The venue’s Thursday night line-up of mirthful merrymakers should certainly ensure a A BBC New Comedy chuckle or several is never too far away. And the comedians in question will no doubt be Awards winner, Angela measuring the audience reaction to their every gag, as they frantically try to hone their is a self-confessed BBC material in preparation for their forthcoming trip to Bonnie Scotland. Radio Four nerd who looks MAC Birmingham’s June Edinbrum shows this month are as follows: Jarred Christmas & to have a bright future in Viv Groskop (7 June); Lloyd Langford & Chris Stokes (14th); Pat Monahan & Darren Har- the UK comedy arena. riott (21st); and Angela Barnes & Mitch Benn (28th). whatsonlive.co.uk 21 David Edgar DPS.qxp_Layout 1 23/05/2018 12:55 Page 1

David Edgar 50 years on...

22 whatsonlive.co.uk David Edgar DPS.qxp_Layout 1 23/05/2018 12:55 Page 2

by David Edgar

David Edgar is used to writing plays but not so used to performing in them - but that’s all about to change. The Birmingham-born playwright is marking his 70th birthday by taking to the stage in Trying It On, a new show in which he contemplates the ways in which both the world and his own views have changed during the last 50 years. Here, David writes for What’s On about his brand new production...

The last time I appeared on a stage was as Researching the show, I’ve asked myself there have been great changes: the expan- Captain Bligh in a university production of questions about the influence of 1968. Was its sion of large theatre institutions like the Na- Mutiny On The Bounty, 44 years ago. Since principal legacy an increase in personal free- tional Theatre and the Royal Shakespeare then my career as a playwright has kept me - dom, and some great music (so, just sex, Companies (both of which see new plays as mercifully - offstage. Why on earth am I drugs and rock’n’roll)? Or did it transform the an important part of their repertoire), as well treading the boards again? world politically (as we thought at the time)? as the growth of small-scale companies, mak- 1968 saw a kind of global uprising against the ing plays in new, collaborative ways. The story starts around three years ago, after older generation, from America via Europe to The biggest change in theatre repertoire over a show at Warwick Arts Centre, when I Pakistan and Japan. Did that spirit of interna- the last 50 years has been the decline of re- bumped into its artistic director, who asked tionalism find expression in the world-wide vivals and the growth of new work. Naturally, me what I was doing and what I was plan- web? Was the revolt just a matter of fashion, as a playwright, I defend the individually- ning. On impulse, I said that I’d been consid- a flash in the pan which petered out as the written play as the bedrock of theatre (as it ering doing a solo show (not just written but students graduated and got jobs, families remains). But I am interested in alternative also performed by me) to mark my 70th birth- and mortgages? Or have the political move- ways of playmaking, and have explored some day in 2018. He said that was a wonderful ments which 1968 gave birth to - most partic- of them to create Trying It On. idea and he’d like to commission it at once. I ularly, feminism and the environmental was locked in. It’s also been fascinating to perform again. movement - remained remarkably resilient, The play is around an hour and a quarter Even more so when my producers persuaded and permanently changed the way we live long - the length of the part of Hamlet. My re- a number of other theatres - including Mid- our lives? spect for the skill (and energy) of actors was lands Arts Centre, the Royal Shakespeare Certainly, the initial hopes of 1968 were already high, but has got even higher. Having Company in Stratford, and the Royal Court in dashed - at the end of a year of rebellion in watched some of the show on film, I am London, to take the show. Plus - most impor- America, France and Eastern Europe, the rul- painfully aware of the difference between tantly of all - the Birmingham Rep, to which ing parties remained firmly in place. If the how it feels as it comes out of me and how it I’ve a very particular attachment. As young late ’60s were just about personal freedom, looks when it arrives at the audience. I am actor/stage managers, my parents met on the then there’s an argument that they found working on my voice (in collaboration with stage door steps of the theatre in 1938. I first their full expression in the individualism of experts) and trying to get early nights. went to the theatre when I was three-and- Margaret Thatcher’s market economics three-quarters. I began writing for the theatre If you’ve been writing for as long as I have, (though she herself hated the ’60s, blaming in 1972. you’re aware of the need to ring the changes. them for everything that had gone wrong Apart from plays for the REP, my personal The idea of the show is to look back over the with Britain). The Eastern European revolts favourites from my work include many for the last 50 years not just of my life but of our which led to the fall of the Berlin Wall in 1989 RSC, including adaptations of Stevenson’s Dr times. I was 20 in 1968, at the height of the drew heavily on the style, slogans and music Jekyll & Mr Hyde, and the RSC is reviving worldwide student revolt against adult au- of the 1960s, but they resulted in a renewal of Maydays (at the Other Place in September) thority in general and the Vietnam war in capitalism and nationalism. And, talking of and A Christmas Carol is coming back in De- particular. I was among millions of young nationalism, why did most people who were cember. But, inevitably, the premiere of my people who wanted to change the world. 20 in 1968 vote Brexit? first solo show - and my professional stage Fifty years on, what does the 70-year-old me I’ve explored these questions by talking to debut - will be the highlight of my year. think of that young idealist? More impor- people who were involved in the events of 50 tantly, perhaps, what does he think of me? years ago, as well as my own biography, as You could say that our lives are a constant an (intermittent) activist but also a play- conversation between our present and our wright. I was incredibly lucky to start writing past, but the debate between the 2018 of David Edgar presents Trying It On at plays professionally in the early ’70s: follow- Jeremy Corbyn, Donald Trump and #MeToo Warwick Arts Centre, Coventry, from ing the abolition of theatre censorship (an- and the 1968 of Robert Kennedy, Richard Thurs 7 to Sat 9 June; Birmingham Reper- other 1968 anniversary) there was a huge Nixon and Women’s Liberation is particularly tory Theatre, from Tues 12 to Wed 13 June; expansion of what came to be called fringe timely. MAC Birmingham, Fri 12 October & The theatre across Britain, which was thirsty for Other Place, Stratford-upon-Avon, from new plays by new playwrights. Since then Thurs 18 to Sat 20 October

whatsonlive.co.uk 23 Theatre June.qxp_Layout 1 23/05/2018 11:27 Page 1

Theatre Theatre previews from around the region

Woyzeck and living with Marie, the mother of his child, who was born out of wedlock and therefore not blessed by the church. To make extra The REP, Birmingham, Fri 15 - Sat 23 June money, Franz agrees to take part in medical experiments, but soon Although ostensibly written by Georg Büchner in the mid-19th cen- finds his mental health severely compromised as he begins to experi- tury, Woyzeck was posthumously finished by numerous authors, edi- ence a series of apocalyptic visions... Bringing together theatre and tors and translators. It wasn’t premiered until 1913, 76 years after its dance and being presented as part of the Birmingham International primary author’s death. The title of the work refers to a lowly soldier Dance Festival, this home-made REP production features a commu- named Franz Woyzeck, who’s stationed in a provincial German town nity chorus of 100 performers and dancers.

Birdsong Oddsocks’ The Tempest The Unbinding New Alexandra Theatre, Birmingham, Lichfield Garrick, Fri 1 June; The Church Old Joint Stock Theatre, Birmingham, Mon 18 - Sat 23 June; Malvern Theatre, Green, Much Wenlock, South Shropshire, Fri 8 Fri 22 & Sat 23 June Tues 26 - Sat 30 June June; Belgrade Theatre, Coventry, Tues 19 - Thurs 21 June; Whitbourne Hall, Worcester, A journey into ‘a dark and spellbinding Sebastian Faulks’ epic and bestselling novel Wed 27 June world’ is in prospect for audience members is set both before and during the Great War. joining Wrong Shoes Theatre Company for It follows the fortunes of the young Stephen this evening of thought-provoking drama. Wraysford as he embarks on a passionate Combining physical theatre and original and dangerous affair with the beautiful Is- music, The Unbinding tells the story of four abelle Azaire... women accused of witchcraft who’re awaiting This stage version was written by Rachel sentencing together. In recounting their tale, Wagstaff, who claims she got the nod from the show explores the subject of mob mental- Faulks to adapt his novel after she impressed ity, contemplating the seemingly insatiable him by knowing the most recent result of his desire within society to punish those who Madcap funsters Oddsocks aren’t the first to beloved football club, West Ham United. present themselves as being different. give William Shakespeare’s last ever play a seriously sci-fi slant - hit West Ender Return To The Forbidden Planet is an outer space version of The Tempest, too. Advertising their show as ‘boldly going where no other Shakespeare has gone before’, the hugely popular ensemble will be bringing their ever-winning brand of anarchic humour to proceedings - not to mention a flying saucer’s-worth of music and a galaxy of zany aliens!

24 whatsonlive.co.uk Theatre June.qxp_Layout 1 23/05/2018 11:27 Page 2 Theatre June.qxp_Layout 1 23/05/2018 11:27 Page 3

Theatre Theatre previews from around the region

Sunshine On Leith back home in Edinburgh, the show features numerous catchy tunes, included among which are The Proclaimers’ best-known hits, I'm Belgrade Theatre, Coventry, Tues 5 - Sat 9 June Gonna Be (500 Miles) and Letter From America. Inspired by The Proclaimers album of the same name, Sunshine On Suitable for audience members aged 12 and older, the show is return- Leith went from stage musical to the silver screen. Following the story ing to the Belgrade for the first time in eight years, and has been pro- of two soldiers from Afghanistan as they try to adjust to civilian life duced by West Yorkshire Playhouse.

Rhondda Rips It Up Beautiful: The Carole Daughters Of Fortune: MAC, Birmingham, Sat 9 June; Malvern King Musical Mia Theatre, Tues 26 June Wolverhampton Grand Theatre, Arena Theatre, Wolverhampton, Wed 27 June Tues 12 - Sat 16 June “Think pop culture with popcorn, science Touring to the Midlands on the back of with silliness, stories with statistics,” advise Olivier Award-winning West End success, Mind The Gap theatre company in promoting Beautiful is a homage to the life and music of their latest show. “Fast-moving, raw and eye- legendary singer-songwriter Carole King. opening, Mia reveals the truth about learning Featured numbers include You Make Me Feel disability and parenthood in today’s society, Like A Natural Woman, Take Good Care Of challenging often-taken-for-granted ideas My Baby, You’ve Got A Friend, So Far Away, It about what it means to be a parent.” Might As Well Rain Until September, Up On The Roof and Locomotion. Usually setting up camp at Birmingham Hip- Miss Littlewood podrome when they visit the Midlands, Swan Theatre, Stratford-upon-Avon, Welsh National Opera here break with that Fri 22 June - Sat 4 August tradition by visiting MAC with the world pre- Perhaps best known for her development of miere of a ‘rip-roaring, uproarious musical the Theatre Workshop, a group launched in comedy’. the 1940s whose best-known shows included Focusing on the unsung heroine of the Welsh Oh! What A Lovely War and A Taste Of Suffrage movement, Margaret Haig Thomas, Honey, Joan Littlewood is often referred to as the Viscountess Rhondda, WNO describe the ‘the mother of modern theatre’. This brand show as a ‘thigh-slapping romp through the new musical charts Littlewood’s journey world of suffrage and song’. from the East End to the West End, celebrat- Told through the lens of music hall, it boasts ing the life and times of a woman who was an all-female cast and creative team includ- unquestionably one of the most anarchic rev- ing Lesley Garrett and Madeleine Shaw (pic- olutionaries of 20th century theatre. tured above) 26 whatsonlive.co.uk Theatre June.qxp_Layout 1 23/05/2018 11:27 Page 4 Theatre June.qxp_Layout 1 23/05/2018 11:27 Page 5

Theatre Theatre previews from around the region

Hairspray bubble could well be set to burst... This Tony Award-winning hit of a show returns to the Midlands with a Regent Theatre, Stoke-on-Trent, Tues 12 - Sat 16 June jukebox-worth of 1960s-style dance music and 'downtown' rhythm It’s 1962, and in Tracy Turnblad’s Baltimore hometown, massive and blues to enjoy. hairdos, dancing the twist and Corny Collins’ daytime dance show are “We might not be doing the same things now as we were in the ’60s,” the hottest tickets in teen culture. says Rebecca Mendoza, who stars as Tracy, “but we’re still fighting In some ways, life for this starry-eyed girl starts out as big and bright the same problems, just in a different form. There’s an important and breezy as a bubblegum balloon - but there’s trouble brewing just message at the show’s core, but it’s so well wrapped up in a beneath the surface. And as Tracy grows up and wakes up to the whirlwind of colour, dialogue, tunes and choreography, that it never everyday injustices in her neighbourhood, it looks as though that once feels preachy.”

Thrill Me: The Leopold & Franks. beth’s desire to be king of Scotland sees him “A play about two gay child killers isn't the slaughtering first Duncan and then Banquo. Leob Story easiest sell in the world,” says Dolginoff, As the pressure mounts and his grip on san- Theatre Severn, Shrewsbury, “but what made it really difficult was the fact ity weakens, he decides to commit even more Tues 15 - Sat 19 May it was a musical. When people think of a mu- atrocities - including the murder of women sical, they tend to think of something light- and children... Performed outdoors in the hearted and comedic, but this is a serious grounds of Stafford Castle. piece. There’s nothing lighthearted or comedic about Thrill Me.” Table New Vic Theatre, Newcastle-under-Lyme, Macbeth Fri 8 - Sat 23 June Stafford Castle, Thurs 28 June - Sat 14 July The handcrafted dining table in the Best’s home has seen use by six generations of the family, in the process becoming a powerful symbol of the lives which have been lived. Given that the events which unfold in But as people remain connected through the Stephen Dolginoff’s award-winning musical centuries by stories and possessions passed took place across the Atlantic over 90 years down by their ancestors, how much can they ago, it’s perhaps not surprising that relatively actually trust their memories? few people are familiar with the story of Containing no shortage of adult content, in- Nathan Freudenthal Leopold Jr and Richard cluding nudity, scenes of a sexual nature and Albert Loeb. strong language, this regional premiere of Two wealthy and intelligent law students, Tanya Ronder’s thought-provoking play is no Leopold and Loeb signed a contract in blood Having been spurred into action by the walk in the park. It is, however, extremely to commit the perfect crime, kidnapping and prophesies of three supernatural women - good, and was first produced, to great ac- murdering a 14-year-old boy named Robert and egged on by his conniving wife - Mac- claim, at the National Theatre in 2013.

28 whatsonlive.co.uk Theatre June.qxp_Layout 1 23/05/2018 11:27 Page 6 Theatre June.qxp_Layout 1 23/05/2018 11:27 Page 7

Theatre Theatre for younger audiences from around the region

Teletubbies Live joyed the experience of watching them hav- Chocolate Cake ing a fantastic time - you’ll already know that Theatre Severn, Shrewsbury, Wed 13 - Thurs this latest production is well worth catching. Malvern Theatres, Sat 9 June 14 June; Belgrade Theatre, Coventry, Wed 18 - Thurs 19 July; The Place, Oakengates Theatre, “It seems hardly any time at all since we Chocolate Cake is a brand new show based Shropshire, Sat 1 - Sun 2 Sept; Malvern The- started on the first Peppa Pig live stage on Michael Rosen’s much-loved poem of the atres, Wed 19 - Thurs 20 Sept show,” observes writer and director Richard same name, which has recently been pub- Lewis. “It’s been an incredible experience lished as a picture book. seeing the children’s reactions, not only in With the creative team behind the production the UK but throughout the world. Peppa Pig having previously enjoyed success with We’re really is a worldwide phenomenon.” Going On A Bear Hunt and Helen Stephens’ How To Hide A Lion, this lively musical about two brothers and the nighttime disappear- ance of a chocolate cake should be well The Ugly Duckling worth catching. Stafford Gatehouse Theatre, Sat 9 June Hans Christian Andersen's The Ugly Duckling Despite having been around for many a year, tells the story of an odd-looking baby duck the world famous Teletubbies are here ap- who’s evicted from the farmyard and finds pearing in their first ever theatre show, cre- himself all alone in a scary and hostile world. ated especially for little ones. Tinky Winky, Thankfully there’s a happy ending to ensure Dipsy, Laa-Laa and Po continue to enchant your youngsters head for home in fine spirits! and delight pre-school youngsters a full 21 This quacker of a well-hatched story is pre- years after making their television debut on sented by Sea Legs Puppet Theatre and fea- BBC Two. Brand new songs and the popular tures ‘brilliant storytelling, fantastic puppets supporting characters of Tubby Phone, Noo- and a delightful musical score’. noo and Sun Baby also feature. Suitable for children aged three-plus. Ministry Of Science Bing Live! Theatre Severn, Shrewsbury, Tues 19 June; Wolverhampton Grand Theatre, Wed 4 July The Place, Oakengates Theatre, Shropshire, Wed 27 June; Birmingham Town Hall, Fri 24 & An anarchic approach to science communica- Sat 25 August; Royal Spa Centre, Leamington tion is the name of the game when the Min- Spa, Sat 8 - Sun 9 Sept istry Of Science comes to town. As well as taking a look at the inventors and engineers who’ve shaped and inspired the modern world, the show’s presenters will be conduct- ing clever demonstrations aplenty - so expect Doctor Dolittle the occasional loud bang! Swan Theatre, Worcester, Sat 16 June; Artrix, Bromsgrove, Sun 24 June; The Core Theatre, Solihull, Fri 3 Aug Hugh Lofting's delightful character is a friend to all manner of furry, four-legged creatures, and certainly knows how to have an adven- Bing Live!’s promoters are confident that ture or two!... Featuring original music, lots their show is a perfect ‘first theatre trip’ for of audience participation and some ‘amaz- pre-schoolers and their families. And why ing’ puppets, this brand new show is 90 min- wouldn’t they be, given that it’s awash with utes in length and suitable for youngsters ‘fun, laughter, music and dressing-up’? aged seven and older. For those not in the know, the show is based on an animated CBeebies television series. Kindur: The Adventurous Life Of Icelandic Sheep MAC, Birmingham, Sat 16 & Sun 17 June Peppa Pig’s Adventure Presented as part of Birmingham Interna- Regent Theatre, Stoke-on-Trent, tional Dance Festival, this ‘magical interac- Wed 6 & Thurs 7 June; Belgrade Theatre, tive theatre experience’ sees three dancers Coventry, Tues 28 - Wed 29 Aug assuming the role of kindur (sheep in Ice- If you’ve taken your little ones to any of the landic) to take the audience on an immersive previous Peppa Pig stage shows - and en- adventure through a fairytale landscape.

30 whatsonlive.co.uk Theatre June.qxp_Layout 1 23/05/2018 11:27 Page 8

whatsonlive.co.uk 31 Summer Holiday.qxp_Layout 1 23/05/2018 12:35 Page 1

The stage version of classic 1963 Cliff Richard movie Summer Holiday is coming to the Midlands this month - complete with the multi-talented Bobby Crush. What’s On recently caught up with Bobby to chat about the hit musical and his recently rejuvenated career...

Brand new stage show Summer Holiday has his fellow London Transport mechanics as group and a young American pop star. The been called the feelgood musical of 2018. they journey together in a red double-decker latter is on the run, not only from a domineer- Promising to bring ‘music, fun and laughter to bus through Paris, the Alps, Italy and Greece. ing mother but also from her own agent, Jerry, the stage’, the show tells the story of Don and Along the way, they pick up a female singing who’s played in the show by Bobby Crush.

32 whatsonlive.co.uk Summer Holiday.qxp_Layout 1 23/05/2018 12:35 Page 2

by Lauren Foster

“I’m really enjoying the role,” says Bobby. “I went on a two-week trip to Las Vegas. Whilst heavy schedule for me in those early years, play the part very cockney. I’m going back to living in a house together, they explored the just dancing from one thing to another. I was my roots, really - I’m originally from the East city and prepared for a one-night-only variety also very cosseted by my parents. At the time, End of London. Jerry wears the most ap- performance. my father gave up his job to go out on the palling wig - it’s shocking! It’s like a dead an- road with me. He drove me to all my gigs and “I think it was on the back of having been in imal perched on my forehead. It’s arranged the hotels etc, so it meant that all I Last Laugh In Vegas that the Summer Holi- deliberately bad; he thinks that no one no- had to think about was performing and day producers decided I’d be a suitable Jerry. tices.” putting on a good show. Part of that was It was hard work; there were a lot of late great because it was my dad and he had my Packed full of classic Cliff Richard hits, in- nights and a lot of early starts, but on the best interests at heart. But also, it’s your dad, cluding Summer Holiday, In The Country, final show we all did our own thing and the and you’re spending all your time with your Move It and Bachelor Boy, as well as bundles audience reaction was just stupendous. It’s dad when really you should be out with of energy and lots of laughs, the show something that I’ll remember for the rest of mates and having fun and having relation- unashamedly recalls a bygone era. “It’s my life. I’ve been fortunate enough to do ships and what have you. That never really lovely because it’s from a much more inno- some brilliant work, and to work with some happened for me until I got into my mid-20s. cent age than the one we’re in now. There are terrific people. I’ve done three seasons at the I was quite a late developer because I was no swear words, there’s the obligatory happy London Palladium and all of that, but to be shielded.” ending and everyone’s having a lovely time. able to say in your mid-60s that you’ve just There’s no message in it - it’s just pure enter- been given the opportunity to work in Las Bobby came out publicly as gay in an inter- tainment. Vegas, and been given a standing ovation - view with Gay Times in 2004, at the age of 50. “We’re keeping all of the original music. that was just amazing! It was so unusual and “The journalist I was speaking to about a Lib- There’s the addition of some Cliff hits that so unexpected. It’s something that I will look erace show I was doing in London knew that weren’t actually in the movie, like The Young back on in the future as a career highlight. I was gay. He said that if I would like to use Ones and The Next Time, so it’s a big treat for that occasion to come out, then they’d give “There’s talk that there’s going to be a live Cliff fans. In terms of the storyline, I think me a three-page spread, and I thought, tour at some point, featuring everybody who those who have a happy memory of the film what’s not to love about that? It was great took part in the show - which is one of the won’t be disappointed by what’s happening publicity for the show, too. I’d always reasons why I've only signed for the first in the musical. All of the most important bits planned to come out in an autobiography, eight weeks of the Summer Holiday tour. It’s remain in it - including, of course, the full- but I thought, let’s do it now and get it all great to have all these opportunities sud- size London double-decker bus.” done and dusted. One reason it took until I denly arrive out of nowhere. My agent is ne- was 50 was the fact that nobody had actually Starring alongside Bobby, and taking the gotiating panto at the moment too, so it looks asked me straight out. If they had, I would’ve Cliff role of Don, is Ray Quinn. Having first like I'm going to have a very busy year!” bitten the bullet and been truthful. Another risen to prominence in Channel Four’s Brook- Bobby believes he was always destined to be reason was that in the early ’70s, if you’d ac- side, Quinn achieved more public recogni- a performer. “I’d been playing the piano tually spoken openly about those things, it tion after finishing second to Leona Lewis in since I was four years old. I started playing in had the potential to finish your career. the 2006 series of The X Factor. In 2009 he front of the public at the age of 12, in amateur won the fourth series of Dancing On Ice. “Opinions are much more relaxed now. We dramatics and concert parties. Then I started Ray’s debut album, Doing It My Way, entered have openly gay pop stars and gay storylines playing in pubs when I was 15 or 16, and the charts at number one and quickly in soap operas. All of that was a million miles turned pro at 18. When anybody asked me, achieved platinum status. His more recent away in 1972. Thank god that people have be- from a very, very early age, what I would end theatre credits include The Wedding Singer, come a little bit more savvy and relaxed up doing, I always said I would be on the Legally Blonde and Dirty Dancing. about these things! My nieces, who are now stage.” in their early 20s, have always known that “Ray will be a revelation when people see Bobby first came to public attention in 1972, they’ve got a gay uncle, and they’ve just him in this role,” says Bobby. “He’s sticking after six winning appearances in the Hughie shrugged it off. The younger generation seem very closely to the template of Don in the Green talent show, Opportunity Knocks. He to think that way, whereas for my generation film, and he’s a good little dancer. We get on was 18 at the time. “My memories of my it was a whole different ball game.” really well; he’s a really nice guy. They’re all teenage years and my early 20s are the inside really great.” of TV studios and hotel rooms. I wasn’t really At sixty-four, Bobby is the oldest member of given the opportunity to develop in terms of the Summer Holiday cast, but he’s certainly my personal life because everything was Summer Holiday runs at the lost none of his enthusiasm for working. He geared towards my professional life. I New Alexandra Theatre, Birmingham, recently appeared in the ITV series Last shouldn’t complain because it was what I from 12 to 16 June & Regent Theatre, Laugh In Vegas. The show followed eight wanted, or what I thought I wanted at the Stoke-on-Trent from 2 to 6 October well-known variety performers from the ’60s, time, but I think it should have been tem- ’70s and ’80s - including Anita Harris, Su Pol- pered with a little bit more time given over to lard, Bernie Clifton and Jess Conrad - as they my emotional development. It was a very

whatsonlive.co.uk 33 Dance June 2018 .qxp_Layout 1 23/05/2018 11:21 Page 1

34 whatsonlive.co.uk Dance June 2018 .qxp_Layout 1 23/05/2018 11:21 Page 2

Dance previews from around the region Dance

Company Wayne McGregor - Atomos New Alexandra Theatre, Birmingham, Fri 1 & Sat 2 June Visiting Birmingham under the umbrella of the city’s international dance festival, cutting-edge choreographer Wayne McGregor’s Atomos sees 10 dancers presenting a performance that’s been described as ‘sculp- tural, rigorous, jarring and hauntingly beautiful’. McGregor is well known for his tenacious style of questioning, not only through body and mind but also across the art and science interface. This latest piece sees him atomising bodies, movement, film, sound and light into what he describes as ‘miniature shards of intense sensation’. The production is suitable for audience members aged eight and older.

Ballet Central Theatre Severn, Shrewsbury, Mon 4 June Works by renowned choreographers including Matthew Bourne and Wayne Mc- Gregor feature in this mixed bill, presented by young dancers on the cusp of their professional careers. Bourne’s Fairies Pro- logue, from his gothic reworking of Sleeping Beauty, and an excerpt from Mc- Gregor’s Far are performed alongside Jenna Lee's brand new creation, Black Swan. Christopher Gable’s Cinderella and an excerpt from Kenneth MacMillan’s rarely seen Valley Of Shadows also feature.

Candoco Dance Company MAC, Birmingham, Wed 13 & Thurs 14 June Aiming as always to produce cutting-edge work that challenges and broadens percep- tions of art and ability, Candoco here present BRB Romeo & Juliet an imaginative double bill as part of Birming- Birmingham Hippodrome, Tues 26 - Sat 30 June ham International Dance Festival. Yasmeen Godder's new work, Face In, is set to Kenneth McMillan’s celebrated work remains an urban indie score and described by Can- one of the finest and most popular versions of doco as ‘a sensual and disturbing ode to inti- Sergei Prokofiev’s stunning ballet, and here macy and imagination, expressed through makes a welcome return as part of the 2018 striking images and daring, uninhibited Birmingham International Dance Festival pro- dance’. gramme. Birmingham Royal Ballet’s exquisite Hetain Patel’s Let’s Talk About Dis, mean- version has garnered widespread praise and is while, is an exploration of the dancers’ per- unquestionably one of the company’s most sonalities, ‘a playful and intimate piece’ that admired productions. asks questions about the nature of identity The show lasts for just short of three hours and how it is formed. and features two intervals. whatsonlive.co.uk 35 Dance June 2018 .qxp_Layout 1 23/05/2018 11:21 Page 3

36 whatsonlive.co.uk Dance June 2018 .qxp_Layout 1 23/05/2018 11:21 Page 4

Dance previews from around the region Dance

Elements Of Freestyle Birmingham Hippodrome, Thurs 14 June Making use of four skating ramps assembled in a variety of ways, El- ements Of Freestyle showcases performances of breakdance, in- line skating, skateboarding, freerunning, BMX and freestyle basketball. The show has been put together by Marco Gerris (former jury member of The Freestyle Games and So You Think You Can Dance), and delivers ‘a fresh look at urban arts’. Presented under the Birmingham International Dance Festival ban- ner, the production is performed by ISH Dance Collective.

2Faced Dance Move To The Company: Moon Rhythm Victoria Square, Birmingham, Symphony Hall, Birmingham, Sat 9 & Sun 10 June Sat 9 June Herefordshire’s 2Faced Dance Com- This showcase event for the pany describe their show as a combi- Keep Fit Association (KFA) fea- nation of ‘breathtaking dance and a tures regional teams represent- whole host of mess and mayhem’. It ing their members across the also features an aerial hoop and has UK. Dedicated to the provision been specially created for family au- of safe and effective exercise, diences. Inspired by Hans Christian movement and dance, the KFA Andersen and bringing together promotes a holistic workout dance, circus and music, the show that uses creative choreography follows the story of the lonely and to help its members achieve scared Jack, and the amazing adven- ‘lifelong fitness’. ture he enjoys with the Moon.

New Creation The Patrick Studio, Birmingham Hippodrome, Sat 23 June A collaborative experimentation, reflecting on the interface of nature and the artifice of the human body, New Creation sees celebrated choreographers Cecilia Bengolea and Florentina Holzinger teaming up to contemplate ‘the limits of the body and its representation in relationship to nature’. Focusing on hybrid insects existing in a lake of slime, the show takes a look at how the unpre- dictable conditions of their environment force constant adaptation, gradually disfiguring both their physical and sensory worlds. The production is presented as part of Birmingham International Dance Festival.

whatsonlive.co.uk 37 George Williamson BRB.qxp_Layout 1 23/05/2018 12:36 Page 1

Embracing life Midlands-born choreographer George Williamson talks about premiering his new ballet as part of a Birmingham Royal Ballet mixed programme...

38 whatsonlive.co.uk George Williamson BRB.qxp_Layout 1 23/05/2018 12:36 Page 2

by Jenny Ell

In November last year, professional dance never before been involved in such a collabo- Williamson is no stranger to creating new development programme Ballet Now an- rative process. “It’s new music, a completely ballets, so does he prefer this to reinventing nounced the first team of choreographers new concept, story and designs.” existing material? “Yes, definitely. I really and composers who would be creating new love creating. I want to be a choreographer On being given the Ballet Now opportunity, one-act ballets for the stage. Emerging talent who creates stories that relate to the world Williamson approached American composer George Williamson, from Worcestershire, we live in now; creating movement that’s ex- Sarah Kirkland Snider to write the music, was one of the choreographers chosen. His citing, new and challenging for the dancers. visiting her in the States. “I got to spend new ballet, Embrace, premieres this month. At the same time, I want to make stories that some time with Sarah out there, where we fi- are challenging and interesting for the audi- Twenty-seven-year-old Williamson has nalised the music and discussed all the finer ence.” danced and choreographed professionally all details. I’ve loved working with her, and I’m over the world since graduating from the En- really excited to hear the music with an or- Williamson feels that development pro- glish National Ballet School in 2010. During chestra for the first time.” grammes like Ballet Now are incredibly im- his training there, he won a succession of portant in today’s industry. “It’s an amazing Amazingly, the first four weeks of rehearsal awards, and is fast becoming ‘one to watch’ opportunity, to be trusted to build a show to for Embrace were choreographed to no music in ballet circles. whatever you want it to be. It’s allowing me at all. “We’d created a lot of material before to be quite brave in what I’m doing. This is His new production is essentially about dis- we had the music, and because of this, we developing me as a choreographer and there- regarding who we’re expected to be and in- were able to try whatever we liked. Once you fore developing everyone around me as stead embracing who we are. In a world of have the music, it sets final parameters, so it well.” patriarchy, Embrace explores the weight, was actually a relief to finally have it; you grief and loneliness of ‘otherness’. Expressed can’t just keep creating endless amounts of Being brought up fairly local to Birmingham, through movement, this is a very personal movement.” Williamson attended Birmingham Royal Bal- project for Williamson. “I’ve never done a let’s Junior Associates when he was younger, Williamson usually works with music from narrative work based on anything to do with and also performed in The Nutcracker as a the outset, but he’s enjoyed the collaborative myself before, but this way I can really tap child. “When I went to Elmhurst School, we nature of not initially having any. “We’ve into all of the different emotions and ideas in would go and watch the Birmingham Royal been able to change our minds about the the piece.” Ballet company, so it feels quite surreal to movement and music in rehearsal. When you now be working with them!” Embrace features a number of Birmingham dance in the studio, trying out ideas, the Royal Ballet dancers who’re working with music that works in your head potentially The best moment for Williamson will un- Williamson in between fulfilling their com- doesn’t work with the dancers’ bodies. I was doubtedly be seeing all of the elements of his mitments to the company. “It’s been quite a able to feed that back to Sarah, and she ballet coming together on stage. “Hearing long process, as rehearsals have been broken would then edit or adjust the music, which is the music, seeing the set design, the lights up around the dancers’ touring schedule. the true sense of collaboration.” and costume; that’s ultimately what I’ve The ballet is finished, but we have to keep been working on for the last year, so it will An additional challenge was that the com- going over everything that we’ve been doing feel really special.” poser had never worked with ballet before, during the last four months.” so Williamson had to explain a lot along the Williamson won’t see his dancers again until way. “The thing that attracted me so much to one week before Embrace premieres in Lon- Sarah’s work was that she shows a strong Embrace is part of the Polarity & Proxim- don, due to the fact that they’re touring in sense of ‘story’ in her music. I knew she ity mixed programme being presented at Japan. would be really good at facilitating the narra- Sadlers Wells, London, from Fri 15 to Sun tive and making sure that everything had its 17 June. It then shows at Birmingham Hip- Although Williamson’s CV is impressive, he’s time and place.” podrome from Wed 20 to Sat 23 June.

whatsonlive.co.uk 39 Film June-2.qxp_Layout 1 23/05/2018 16:44 Page 1 Film June-2.qxp_Layout 1 23/05/2018 16:45 Page 2

Film

EDITOR’S CHOICE

Her aim, with the help of raptor handler Owen Grady (Chris Pratt), is Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom CERT 12a to relocate the dinosaurs to a massive sanctuary on the US mainland. Starring Chris Pratt, Bryce Dallas Howard, Ted Levine, Rafe Spall, Toby Jones, Justice Smith, BD Wong, James Cromwell, Geraldine Chaplin, However, the future of the dinos appears to be in the balance when Jeff Goldblum Directed by JA Bayona (USA) unscrupulous operators attempt to profit from the move… Will they ever learn? When the reptilian survivors of the island of Isla The Barcelona-born JA Bayona previously directed the extraordinarily Nublar are threatened by a volcano blowing its top, former park man- powerful and imaginative A Monster Calls (2016). Steven Spielberg ager Claire Dearing (Bryce Dallas Howard) mounts a rescue operation. acts as executive producer. Released Wed 6 June

Film highlights released in June...

L'Amant Double Book Club CERT 12a (104 mins) CERT 18 (108 mins) Starring Diane Keaton, Jane Fonda, Candice Starring Marine Vacth, Jérémie Renier, Bergen, Mary Steenburgen, Andy García, Don Jacqueline Bisset Directed by François Ozon Johnson, Richard Dreyfuss, Craig T Nelson, (France/Belgium) Alicia Silverstone Directed by Bill Holderman (USA) Chloé's psychoanalyst, Paul (Jérémie Renier), is not all she thinks he is. And this she only A quartet of lifelong friends find their lives discovers after moving in with him... Expect transformed when they read EL James’ Fifty some pretty raunchy nookie. Shades Of Grey. Maybe, there really is sex after the menopause… Nice to see that Don Released Fri 1 June Johnson is among the senior paramours, par- Ismael's Ghosts ticularly as his daughter Dakota played Anas- CERT 15 (35 mins) tasia Steele on screen. Starring Mathieu Amalric, Marion Cotillard, Released Fri 1 June Charlotte Gainsbourg, Louis Garrel, Alba Rohrwacher, László Szabó Ben Cross Di- rected by Arnaud Desplechin (France) Just as he’s embarking on the production of his latest film, the director Ismaël Vuil- lard (Amalric) is dumbfounded by a ghost from his past. His wife Carlotta (Cotillard), who had disappeared 21 years ago, turns up to resume her life… Released Fri 1 June whatsonlive.co.uk 41 Film June-2.qxp_Layout 1 23/05/2018 16:45 Page 3

Film highlights released in June...

perior horror film hits the multiplex. The fea- The Bookshop CERT PG (113 mins) ture directorial debut of Aster (who also scripted), this chiller stars Toni Collette (in a Starring Emily Mortimer, Patricia Clarkson, Bill Nighy, Honor Kneafsey career-high performance, if that’s possible) Directed by Isabel Coixet (UK/Spain/Germany) as an artist who has just lost her mother. Based on the 1978 novel by Penelope Fitzger- Then the secrets ald, this is the tale of a woman who - against start tumbling out fierce local opposition - decides to open a of the closet. Ide- bookshop in her small coastal town. ally, you should Set in 1959, the film joins the recent biblio- avoid all the spoil- philic dramas The Guernsey Literary Soci- ers built into the ety… and Book Club. We’re now waiting for The Ciambra CERT 15 (123 mins) trailer. the first Kindle classic. Starring Pio Amato, Koudous Seihon Released Directed by Jonas Carpignano (Italy) Released Fri 29 June Fri 15 June If nothing else, Jonas Carpignano's The Ciambra achieves a bracing authenticity. A probing, non-judgmental, documentary- like portrait of Romany life in Calabria, Italy, Super Troopers 2 the film is loose on narrative but strong on at- CERT 15 (99 mins) mosphere. The Amato family plays itself, Starring Jay Chandrasekhar, Kevin Heffernan, Steve Lemme, Paul Soter, Erik Stolhanske, while 14-year-old Pio Amato is our protago- Rob Lowe, Brian Cox nist, an inveterate liar and thief who is des- Directed by Jay Chandrasekhar (USA) perate to follow in his brother’s questionable The troopers in question are a group of Ver- footsteps. If this is peer pressure, it is irrevo- mont state troopers and this time, when an cable. There is a faint honour among thieves international border dispute arises between painted here, but the relentless stealing and Canada and the US, they are called on to set disrespect for other people’s property hardly up a new Highway Patrol station. warms the viewer to this particular Romany Although the original family. comedy was a flop, and Leave No Trace was released back in Released Fri 15 June CERT PG (109 mins) 2002, a crowdfunding Starring Ben Foster, Thomasin McKenzie, Jeff campaign managed to Kober, Dale Dickey The Happy Prince set the belated sequel Directed by Debra Granik (USA) CERT 15 (105 mins) on its way. Oh, joy. Starring Rupert Everett, Colin Firth, Colin Mor- Released Fri 15 June gan, Emily Watson, Tom Wilkinson, Anna Chancellor, Alister Cameron Directed by Rupert Everett (UK/Belgium/Ger- many/Italy) Ocean’s 8 CERT 12a (110 mins) Having portrayed Oscar Starring Sandra Bullock, Cate Blanchett, Anne Wilde on stage in David Hathaway, Mindy Kaling, Sarah Paulson, Ri- Hare’s The Judas Kiss, Ru- hanna, Helena Bonham Carter, James Corden, pert Everett obviously got Matt Damon Directed by Gary Ross (USA) a taste for Wildean the- One for the girls: Debbie Ocean (Bullock), the atrics. Here, his own estranged sister of arch crook Danny Ocean, screenplay chronicles the is determined to out-do her brother by last days of the Irish wit mounting the heist of the century: at the an- and playwright when he nual Met Gala in New York. All she needs are suffered terrible recrimination whilst in exile some female accomplices… in Naples and Paris. The film also marks the Expect lots of starry cameos. directorial debut of Everett. Released Mon 18 June Released Fri 15 June Will (Foster) and his 13-year-old daughter (McKenzie) are happy living off the grid in the woodlands of Oregon. Then social ser- Hereditary CERT 15 (127 mins) vices catches up with them… From Debra Starring Toni Collette, Alex Wolff, Milly Shapiro, Granik, the director of the gritty, eloquent Ann Dowd, Gabriel Byrne Winter’s Bone (2010), which launched Jen- Directed by Ari Aster (USA) nifer Lawrence’s career. Granik’s new film Following the critical acclaim heaped upon has also received raves from US critics. Get Out, Raw and A Quiet Place, another su- Released Fri 29 June

42 whatsonlive.co.uk Film June-2.qxp_Layout 1 23/05/2018 16:45 Page 4

Film

Sicario 2: Soldado CERT 15 (122 mins) Starring Benicio del Toro, Josh Brolin, Isabela Moner, Jeffrey Donovan, Manuel Garcia-Rulfo, Catherine Keener, Matthew Modine Directed by Stefano Sollima (USA/Italy) While Emily Blunt, star of the first Sicario film, has been busy unpacking her carpet bag for Mary Poppins Returns, her col- leagues-in-crime-fighting, Alejandro Gillick (del Toro) and Matt Graver (Brolin), have their hands full with new drug-related problems on the Mexican border. This time, though, they’re also dealing with jihadi ter- rorists. Expect some pretty strong violence. Released Fri 29 June

CRITIC’S CHOICE

In The Fade CERT 18 (106 Mins) Starring Diane Kruger, Denis Moschitto, Jo- last year’s Cannes Film Festival. She plays hannes Krisch, Ulrich Tukur Katja Sekerci, a wife and mother who has to Directed by Fatih Akin (Germany/France) pick up the pieces of her life after her hus- Winner of the Golden Globe for best foreign band and son are killed in a nail bomb at- language film, this German-language crime tack. The title is taken, of course, from the drama stars Diane Kruger in what is arguably song of the same name by Queens Of The her finest performance to date. Indeed, she Stone Age. walked away with the best actress award at Zoo CERT PG (97 mins) Released Fri 22 June Starring Art Parkinson, Toby Jones, Penelope Wilton, Ian O'Reilly, Amy Huberman Directed by Colin McIvor (UK/Ireland) Adrift CERT tbc As the Germans bomb the hell out of Belfast Starring Shailene Woodley, Sam Claflin, Jeffrey in 1941, young Tom (Parkinson) and his Thomas Directed by Baltasar Kormákur (USA) friend attempt to save the zoo’s prize attrac- Like The Mercy, which opened this February, tion, Buster the baby elephant. The film this is the true story of an ocean-going should prove an interesting companion piece drama. Having just fallen in love, passionate to last year’s The Zookeeper's Wife, which sailors Tami and Richard decide to embark was set in the Warsaw Zoo during the Second together on an epic voyage across the Pacific. World War. Both films are based on true inci- However, they hadn’t bargained on the wrath dents. of a history-defining hurricane… Released Fri 29 June Released Fri 29 June

Patrick CERT PG (94 mins) Starring Ed Skrein, Tom Bennett, Jennifer Saunders, Beattie Edmondson, Adrian Scar- borough, Gemma Jones Directed by Mandie Fletcher (UK) Patrick is a problem, a real handful, and he’s not very big. He’s actually a spoiled pug, in- herited by Sarah (Beattie Edmondson) from her grandmother, a week before she’s due to start a new job. From Disney. For the whole family. Released Fri 29 June whatsonlive.co.uk 43 Visual Arts June 1.qxp_Layout 1 23/05/2018 11:20 Page 1

Visual Arts previews from around the region

International Garden Photographer Of The Year Fusion Building, Jackfield Tile Museum, Ironbridge, Shropshire, until Mon 17 September Images celebrating the beauty of plants, wildflower landscapes and ‘the bountiful Earth’ all feature in this year’s International Garden Photographer Of The Year exhibition (IGPOTY), returning to Ironbridge Gorge as part of its worldwide tour. Commenting on the show, the exhibition’s manager, Curtis McGlinchey, said: “Ironbridge is a remarkable place, and it’s an absolute privilege to bring the exhibition there. The show celebrates plant life in its many diverse forms, but it also helps us reflect upon our relationship with the natural world. “The importance of the intersection between nature and technology is a prominent quality shared between both Ironbridge and IGPOTY, and is one that makes the exhibition feel especially relevant at this historic location.”

44 whatsonlive.co.uk Visual Arts June 1.qxp_Layout 1 23/05/2018 11:20 Page 2

Visual Arts

New York City Life Barber Institute, Birmingham, until Sun 16 September A contemporary of George Bellows, John Sloan’s prints provide fascinating historical insights into Manhattan life during a period of rapid social change. The exhibition at the Barber features the only complete set of Sloan’s prints outside the US. They were gifted to the venue by Delaware Art Museum, a gesture prompted by the Barber’s 2016 exhibition, Bellows And The Body.

Miss Black And Beautiful MAC, Birmingham, until Sun 1 July An exhibition of photographs taken by the late Osman Yousefzada: Bring Somewhere Else Raphael Albert, Miss Black And Beautiful docu- Ikon Gallery, Birmingham, Wed 6 - Fri 29 June ments numerous black British beauty pageants organised by Albert from the late 1960s on- Birmingham-born fashion designer bued with a strong sense of social com- wards. The pageants were a Osman Yousefzada showcases a style mentary, has been shaped by a clear celebration of the 1970s’ ‘Black which has been described as combining awareness of political contexts. Osman’s is beautiful’ aesthetic, the haute couture techniques and fabrics Ikon show features imported garments most notable among them with a clear perception of modernity. His made by low-wage workers for ‘fast fash- being the annual Miss West In- multi-disciplinary design practice, im- ion’ in the West. dies In Great Britain contest.

Creative Rage The Marvellous Andrew Tift: Immortalise Potteries Museum & Art Gallery, Stoke-on- New Art Gallery, Walsall, until Sun 2 September Trent, until Sun 2 September Mechanical Museum Walsall figurative artist Andrew Tift specialises Creative Rage brings together paintings, Compton Verney Art Gallery, Warwick- shire, Sat 30 June - Sun 30 September in portraiture and finds much of his inspiration photographs, prints and ceramics to fol- in the New Art Gallery’s collections and exhibi- low three artists' ‘vibrant and confronta- tions. Already well known to regular visitors to tional’ exploration of LGBTQ themes. the museum, Andrew is here presenting a range Proud, committed and uncompromising of paintings, drawings, photographs and members of the progressive LGBTQ artis- sketchbooks that combine his love of portrai- tic community, the trio of contributors ture with more recent experimental works. create visually startling works that explore themes of bravery, aggression and ‘trailblazing, combative non-conformity’. Marvellous Mechanical Museum reimagines the spectacular automata exhibitions of the 18th century, in order to explore the boundaries of ‘what is lifelike and what is alive, where artists, inventors and engineers collide’. Featuring early and rare automata and clockwork dating back to the 17th century, many of the items on display have been taken from the British Mu- seum, the V&A and the Royal Collec- tion. Highlights include a miniature Faberge moving elephant and kinetic artist Tim Lewis’ uncanny Crimson Prince.

whatsonlive.co.uk 45 Dan Snow DPS.qxp_Layout 1 31/05/2018 09:26 Page 1

The History Boy Television presenter and passionate historian Dan Snow is visiting the region this month with his first ever live touring show - and not surprisingly, it’s all about history! Midlands Zone caught up with the hot’n’hunky heartthrob to find out why he’s so darned interested in ‘the past’... Dan Snow DPS.qxp_Layout 1 31/05/2018 09:26 Page 2

Talk us through the motivations behind Can you explain your passion for history? history is vital. People are mad to believe doing your first live tour, An Evening With The first question I’m always asked at events politicians without checking the evidence The History Guy... is, “What’s the best place you’ve ever been first. Young people need to learn about the When you’re making television and podcasts, to?” They expect me to say something like reliability of sources, sifting through people’s it’s very lonely. You sit by yourself and think, Angkor Wat. But, perhaps weirdly, I just love motivations and understanding why they’re “Is anyone watching?” That’s why TV this country - there’s so much character and saying something to you. There’s nothing presenters take to Facebook Live. That gives history here. Wherever you go in Britain, more important than questioning those in you the number of viewers at the bottom of there are so many stories. For example, you authority. the screen. It might be only five people, but at can visit a place just outside Manchester and You go into schools and teach children least you know someone is there! find the perfect Industrial Revolution-era about history... textile mill where global industrialisation What will you be talking about in the Yes, I try and help kids to think about history began. show? in the best possible way. I give them a sense The UK tour of The Sound Of Music in around So history is constantly beckoning you of why we bother studying the past. It affects 2010, which, weirdly, Jason Donovan ended towards it? the present, what we wear, our economics, up doing as well. Absolutely. I drove up the M3 recently to the fact that there’s violence on some streets. interview a Second World War veteran. On All those things are products of history. But Do members of the public help with your the way, I visited Odiham Castle in it’s stuff that a teacher might not get the time research? Hampshire. It was built by King John, to cover in a planned lesson. Yes, they do. I get lots of messages on my besieged twice and various people were Tell us about your channel, History Hit TV. Facebook page. There’s so much history out murdered there down the centuries. The M3 Life is very exciting at the moment. Our there, it’s ridiculous - and I find the stories is a road I use all the time, and I’d never podcasts have a million listeners. It’s no that people send me fascinating. Also, it’s heard of Odiham Castle before. There’s so longer about going to a publisher and easier to become knowledgeable in an aspect much history on this island just waiting to be waiting for a commission. It’s about going of history. It’s not like physics, where you discovered. It’s such a treat. We may out there and making instant connections need a $300billion particle accelerator in the complain, but we do have a great respect for with people. I love doing the podcast because house to become an expert. I’m really looking history. I’m half Canadian, and in Canada of its simplicity and speed. forward to interaction with the audiences at they would simply bulldoze a historic site my shows. and put a new building in its place. We’re so What you do in your spare time? Do people want to recount their personal lucky that we’ve preserved so much in We go on holiday and visit historic sites! The histories, too? Britain. kids are more manageable when you’re doing Yes, they often want to tell me all about their What do you think are the benefits of stuff with them. Having them around the family history, or the part their family played studying history? house in winter is brutal. Looking around Winchester or Basingstoke is great fun. in history, like a soldier in the First World It’s very good for your mental health to go to Walking around the Roman walls of Chester War. A huge number of people tell me stories these places. When I went to Odiham Castle, is a really good day out. You’re a better parent about their ancestors. They will say for example, it was a beautiful sunlit if you take your children out to these historic something like, “My father was the first black morning - not a bad way to spend 20 minutes. places. It will make them better citizens. RAF pilot”. Listening to them, you realise Being a historian is a lovely job, but we can We’re also on the water all the time. I often how many firsts there are. all do it at any time. row with the kids near our house. Is your hope that you will captivate Does studying history also help us to So were you introduced to the joys of audiences with your infectious understand more about the present day? enthusiasm for your subject? history at a very young age? Definitely. It explains so much about today. Yes. Every weekend as a child, I was taken to Yes! History isn’t all about dead kings, old Why can’t you book a boozy holiday in a historical site, a castle, palace or a libraries and dust. It’s everything. It’s your Somalia? That’s down to history. The museum. I got History Stockholm Syndrome parents’ eyes meeting across a crowded country’s instability is the result of colonial as a boy, and now I’m inflicting it on my own room, and why we are who we are, and why interference, food scarcity and the children! I don’t bother asking them how we’re speaking English, and why it’s interference of America. In the same way, they feel about it. They seem to tolerate it - acceptable for women and men to mingle why can’t you go to a pub in Armagh and sing they don’t know any better! Two weeks ago, I together. I hope people walk out of the God Save The Queen without being glassed, took my two-year-old daughter to HMS theatre saying that they had a really good while 20 miles away it would be fine? That’s Victory. It was just another day in the office time. I also hope they leave having thought all about history. If you’re curious about the for her! deeply about the past of their town, their world today, history can help you understand country and their world. it. It will also make you realise that we’re so History has become fashionable again... lucky to be alive today. It gives things a real sense of perspective. Yes. In the 1990s, history was very An Evening With The History Guy shows unfashionable. But 9/11 changed all that. It Is it important that children learn history at: Artrix, Bromsgrove, Wednesday 6 June; was a huge wake-up call. It reminded at school? Theatre Severn, Shrewsbury, Monday 18 everyone that many people around the world Yes. History is a fantastic thing to teach kids. June; Crewe Lyceum, Tuesday 19 June; and felt that history wasn’t finished. They felt It teaches young people about the things they Stafford Gatehouse, Wednesday 4 July. enormous resentment about the fact that say and hear, and it teaches them to be some people thought that the hands of profoundly distrustful of politicians - and history had stopped. also not to invade Russia! Literacy about Events June.qxp_Layout 1 23/05/2018 18:16 Page 1

46 whatsonlive.co.uk Events June.qxp_Layout 1 23/05/2018 18:16 Page 2

Events previews from around the region Events

Trampoline & Tumbling Arena Birmingham, Sat 16 & Sun 17 June Some of the country’s top gym- nasts here come together to show off their skills and battle it out in the regional team finals. Expect a show jam-packed to the proverbial rafters with high-flying somersaults and aerial tricks. International Model Air Show Weston Park, Weston-under- Lizard, Nr Shifnal, Fri 15 - Sun 17 June Now in its 26th year, this popular event features a host of displays and exhibitors. Model aircraft en- Creative Craft Show NEC, Birmingham, Fri 29 June - Sun 1 July thusiasts from across Europe will be in attendance, demonstrating If you’re a fan of all things hand-made, the Crafty Beggar’s Julie Peasgood and Wendy Turner- their hugely impressive flying Creative Craft Show is the event for you. Featuring Webster to learn how magazine pages can be skills in Weston’s picturesque an impressive selection of supplies, the show used to create beautiful beads. grounds. provides the chance to glean advice from industry The show offers plenty of fun for children too, experts and take part in an impressive range of with Sugartots Sand Art allowing them to create workshops. their very own sand masterpiece. Step Back To Visitors can try their hand at silk painting, or join The 1940s Severn Valley Railway, Bewdley, nr Kidderminster, Sat 30 June & Sun 1 July Festival Of Black All aboard for a Severn Valley Rail- Country Vehicles way train journey back in time to Black Country Living Museum, Dudley, the 1940s! Sun 17 June The railway’s lighthearted homage Given the Black Country’s historical reputa- to wartime Britain features an im- tion as a major centre for the manufacturing pressive selection of attractions up of bicycles, motorcycles, cars, lorries and and down the line, including vin- buses, this one-day event should prove to be tage vehicle displays, musical en- a fascinating experience. The festival features tertainment and costumed classic cars and an array of vehicles made by reenactors. Black Country brands including AJS, Clyno The ever-popular Big Band Show - and Sunbeam. featuring a jazz orchestra playing music from the ’40s - also makes a return. RAF Cosford Air Show RAF Museum Cosford, Shifnal, Sun 10 June Attracting thousands of visitors each year, Cos- ford’s annual air show is considered to be one of the country’s top aviation events. Alongside a six-hour aerial display, the 2018 event also boasts a collection of up to 100 never- before-seen static aircraft, featuring in the show in celebration of the RAF’s centenary. The hugely popular Vintage Village makes a welcome return too, complete with period entertainment and tea room.

whatsonlive.co.uk 47 Events June.qxp_Layout 1 23/05/2018 18:16 Page 3

48 whatsonlive.co.uk Events June.qxp_Layout 1 23/05/2018 18:16 Page 4

Events previews from around the region Events

Tudor Weekend Blakesley Hall, Birmingham, Sat 2 & Sun 3 June Sample Tudor dancing, learn about sword fighting, have a go at feather quill writing or try your hand at face-painting at this family-friendly event. Visitors can also meet reenactors at the Tudor Travelling Camp or blend entertainment with education by joining one of the costumed tours.

Steampunk Weekend Festival - to present an event that features exhibitions about steampunk art, costumes and Blists Hill Victorian Town, Ironbridge, sculpture. Fashion designers, authors and Sat 23 & Sun 24 June artists will also be on hand, as will specially se- Blists Hill once again showcases all things lected artisan traders of steampunk jewellery, steampunk this month, after last year’s inaugu- comics, art and gadgets. ral event proved such a success. A number of themed activities should ensure Ironbridge Gorge Museums has teamed up with there’s plenty to keep your kids happy and en- Asylum - the organisers of Lincoln’s Steampunk tertained. 400 Years Of Aston Hall Aston Hall, Birmingham, Sun 24 June BBC Good Food Show Aston Hall celebrates its 400th an- NEC, Birmingham, Thurs 14 - Sun 17 June niversary this month by going back in time - to the year 1642, to If you’re looking for some summer recipe inspi- be precise - when Sir Thomas ration, look no further than the BBC Good Food Holte, the venue’s original owner, Show. played host to King Charles I. Some of the UK’s top chefs will be in attendance Visitors on the day will have the at the ever-popular event, including queen of opportunity to meet the ‘formida- baking Mary Berry, Michelin master Michel Roux ble’ Sir Thomas himself - not to Jr and the always-entertaining Hairy Bikers. mention his servant and even the With hundreds of fine food and drink producers king(!) - but not before receiving also in attendance, you can shop till you drop some sure-to-be-handy tips on and taste away all day! 17th century etiquette! A ticket to the show also allows you to explore the BBC Gardeners’ World Live event. The World Of Park & Leisure Homes Show NAEC Stoneleigh, Warwickshire, Fri 8 - Sun 10 June View and explore around 60 park homes and leisure lodges from 19 leading manufacturers at this well-established event. There’s also the opportunity to meet representa- tives from a huge range of leisure, holiday and residential park sites across the UK and beyond, in the process discovering a selection of fantastic locations in which to enjoy the benefits of a leisure or residential lifestyle! whatsonlive.co.uk 49 Shiiine On Festival June 2018.qxp_Layout 1 23/05/2018 14:41 Page 1 The List Cover June Birmingham.qxp_Layout 1 23/05/2018 11:16 Page 2

YourYour wweek-eek- bby-weeky-week llistingsistings gguideuide JuneJune 20182018 thelist

Titanic The Musical - Birmingham Hippodrome, Mon 4 - Sat 9 June

Music I Comedy I Theatre I Dance I Film I Events I Visual Arts I and more!

What’s On Fri 1 to Sun 10 June Mon 11 to Sun 17 June Mon 18 to Sun 24 June Mon 25 to Sat 30 June

Birmingham International Dance Doug Stanhope Supersonic Festival Damian Marley Festival - various city locations O2 Academy, Birmingham Custard Factory, Birmingham O2 Academy, Birmingham Fri 1 - Sun 24 June Tues 12 June Fri 22 - Sun 24 June Sat 30 June

whatsonlive.co.uk 51 The List Birmingham Fri 1 - Sun 10 June.qxp_Layout 1 23/05/2018 11:15 Page 1

thelist THROUGHOUT JUNE Gigs

the identities of Jamaican Diaspora DETROIT SOUL COLLEC- since the post-war migration to TIVE Fri 1 June, The Visual Arts Jam House, B’ham Birmingham Museum & Britain, and the lives of second and Art Gallery third generation migrants born here, CULT FICTION Fri 1 until Sun 8 July June, Route 44, B’ham THE PAST IS NOW: BIRMINGHAM AND VANLEY BURKE: 5000 MILES AND 70 MOTOWN LIVE REVUE: THE BRITISH EMPIRE Exhibition chal- YEARS Inspired by the collection and 'SIGNED, SEALED AND lenging the typical colonial narrative his family history, Burke has created DELIVERED' Fri 1 June, used to present the history of the a new site-specific installation - a col- Pizza Express Live, British Empire, until Sun 24 June lage of Caribbean migration and set- Birmingham VANLEY BURKE: PHOTOGRAPHING BIRM- tlement - that transforms the venue COME TOGETHER Fri 1 INGHAM (1968 - 2011) Exhibition show- into a vibrant space, until Sun 8 July June, The Night Owl, ing how Burke has documented the MADE AT MAC: PRESENTING PORTRAITS Birmingham The Mouse Outfit - Hare & Hounds, Birmingham poignant and everyday moments of Group exhibition by MAC students life in Birmingham. Burke’s pho- NICK HEYWARD Fri 1 Academy, Birmingham CANS TOUR Fri 8 June, and tutors, until Sun 22 July June, O2 Academy, tographs capture scenes of child- JON MOSES Mon 4 O2 Academy, B’ham hood, crowds, community and faith, AMPERSAND PROJECTS: GREEN LUNGS Birmingham June, The Glee Club, COURTNEY ACT - UNDER power and protest, as well as portray- A project that introduces recently set- THE BONGO CLUB Fri 1 Birmingham THE COVERS Fri 8 June, ing influential men and women of our tled refugees to the city’s green June, Scruffy Murphys, O2 Institute, B’ham time, until Sun 1 July spaces through creative activity. The Birmingham KEITH SLATER'S SONG- exhibition presents new work created BOOK Tues 5 June, The LAZY DAY, ANIMAL SONS ASIAN YOUTH CULTURE: EXPLORING THE FLEETWOOD BAC Fri 1 collaboratively by participants and Core Theatre, Solihull & HUNGER MOON Fri 8 HERITAGE & HISTORY OF YOUNG BRITISH June, Artrix, Broms- artists which explores their experi- June, The Sunflower ASIANS IN BIRMINGHAM Exhibition that grove NECRONOMIDOL, ences in the landscape, until Sat 28 Lounge, Birmingham explores the heritage and history of SCREAMING SIXTIES AND July LIB ERTY LIES Fri 1 the lives and contributions young DOUBLE AND Tues 5 YOUNG BRAVES, MONICO June, The Asylum, Asian people have made across June, Hare & Hounds, BLONDE & FREE GALAXY Birmingham three distinct periods: the 1950s-60s, RBSA Gallery Birmingham Fri 8 June, The Actress 1970s-1990s, and 2000 to the pre- NEW YASMIN BOYLE, NAWM PRIZE WIN- FRED ZEPPELIN Fri 1 TEISHA GEORGE BAND & Bishop, Birmingham sent day, until Sun 29 July NER Yasmin was awarded this exhibi- June, The Night Owl, Tues 5 June, The Jam JANE MCDONALD Fri 8 Birmingham DIPPY ON TOUR: A NATURAL HISTORY tion as a prize during the New Art House, Birmingham June, New Alexandra ADVENTURE The Natural History Mu- West Midlands exhibition 2017. Her THE SHIRES Fri 1 June, SHELLY QUARMBY BAND Theatre, Birmingham seum’s famous Diplodocus, known sculptures explore gender stereo- Symphony Hall, Birm- Wed 6 June, The Jam MAETLOAF & THE NEVER as Dippy, is taking a road trip to Birm- types, addressing the binaries of ingham House, Birmingham NEVERLAND EXPRESS ingham. This is a free ticketed event, ‘male’ and ‘female’, Mon 11 June - THOSE AMONGST US Fri 8 June, The Robin, Sat 14 July DONNA TAGGART Wed 6 but advanced booking is strongly ad- ARE WOLVES, WHITE June, The Core The- Bilston vised, until Sun 9 Sept NEW GEOFF HODGSON, PHOTOGRAPHIC NOISE CINEMA, RUBELLA atre, Solihull THE HEELS Fri 8 June, PRIZE 2017 WINNER Geoff was MOON & THE DRAKE- The Night Owl, B’ham awarded this exhibition as a prize FLOW MAY Fri 1 June, ROLLING BLACKOUTS during the RBSA Photographic Prize The Actress & Bishop, COASTAL FEVER Wed 6 MESSAGE IN A BOTTLE: 2017. His series explores the Dudde- Birmingham Jun, Hare & Hounds, A TRIBUTE TO THE PO- Birmingham LICE Sat 9 June, New ston Viaduct, which was built by the SOME GUYS HAVE ALL Great Western Railway Company HIMALAYAS, VALERAS & Alexandra Theatre, THE LUCK - THE ROD Birmingham across Digbeth in the 19th century, STEWART STORY Sat 2 CANDID Wed 6 June, Mon 18 June - Sat 28 July June, Lichfield Garrick The Sunflower DIG? Sat 9 June, The Lounge, Birmingham Night Owl, B’ham NEW GABRIELLE ROBERTS-DALTON RBSA DIG? Sat 2 June, The Menopause: A Change In Life - Col- Night Owl, B’ham DAVID FORD Thurs 7 ALMOST EASY Sat 9 lection of self-portraits in oil, ink and June, Hare & Hounds, June, Route 44, B’ham print that explore different thoughts ABSOLUTE BOWIE - 50 Birmingham YEARS OF BOWIE Sat 2 HERITAGE: DJ SS, NEW THE EVERYDAY AND EXTRAORDI- and ideas about the physical and JAKI GRAHAM Thurs 7 GEORGE MOREL, STAN- NARY Exhibition exploring the poten- emotional effects of the menopause, June, Artrix, Broms- grove June, The Jam House, TON WARRIORS & tial of objects to be transformed and Mon 18 June - Sat 4 Aug Birmingham GRAEME PARK Sat 9 seen in new and insightful ways. NEW FRIENDS EXHIBITION 2018 Annual REAL TO REEL Sat 2 June, Hare & Hounds, Showcasing over 70 modern and June, Route 44, B’ham THE MILK Thurs 7 June, display of artwork by the Friends, Mama Roux's, B’ham Birmingham contemporary artworks, Sat 9 June - promoting their artistic talents, Wed ROY WOODS Sat 2 Sun 9 Sept SMOOVE & TURRELL BIG BOSS MAN Sat 9 27 June - Sat 21 July June, O2 Institute, June, The Night Owl, Birmingham Thurs 7 June, Hare & Ikon Gallery Hounds, Birmingham Birmingham The Barber Institute DJ SEINFELD & PROJECT CLASSIC CLAPTON Sat 9 NEW FRANCIS ALŸS - KNOTS’N’DUST Ex- THE MOUSE OUTFIT Fri 8 NEW DRAWN TO PERFECTION Master- PABLO Sat 2 June, Hare June, Artrix, Broms- hibition by Mexico-based artist Fran- June, Hare & Hounds, works from the Royal Collection, ex- & Hounds, B’ham grove cis Alÿs, reflecting on the notion of Birmingham ploring their use as prototypes for UPRAWR'S 8TH BIRTH- turbulence, from simple instability to PALM Sun 10 June, paintings and frescoes, tapestries, DAY Sat 2 June, The QUILL WITH BEV BEVAN chaos, Wed 20 June - Sun 9 Sept Hare & Hounds, Birm- sculpture or architecture, Fri 15 June Asylum, Birmingham Fri 8 June, Artrix, Bromsgrove ingham - Sun 23 Sept THE BEAT (STARRING MAC, Birmingham BAREFOOTIN' Fri 8 June, ALLISON ADAMS NEW CENTRE STAGE - ENTERTAINMENT DAVE WAKELING) Sat 2 TUCKER'S WANDERLUST IN ART The Night Owl, B’ham FROM A SMALL ISLAND Exhibition by Selection of works on paper June, O2 Academy, Sun 10 June, Pizza Ex- award-winning photographer Andrew from the Barber’s collection, explor- Birmingham GAGA QUEEN TRIBUTE press Live, B’ham Jackson, who presents a new series ing how Degas, Sickert and others Fri 8 June, The Core THE BOOTLEG SHADOWS THE MERSEY BEATLES of work exploring identity, migration, have portrayed figures linked to the Theatre, Solihull Sun 3 June, Crescent Sun 10 Jun, Hare & memory and family. Following a visit stage, such as actors and perform- Theatre, Birmingham MO GILLIGAN AKA MO Hounds, Birmingham to Jamaica in 2017, he investigates ers, Fri 22 June - Sun 7 Oct G-EAZY Sun 3 June, O2 THE COMEDIAN: COUPLA 52 whatsonlive.co.uk The List Birmingham Fri 1 - Sun 10 June.qxp_Layout 1 23/05/2018 11:15 Page 2

Friday 1 - Sunday 10 June Classical Music Comedy THE SALVATION ARMY: SYMPHONY PATRICK MONAHAN Fri 1 - Sat 2 June, SOUNDS Also featuring The Amster- The Glee Club, Birmingham dam Staff Songsters, the Salvation NICK DOODY, JIMMY MCGHIE, JOSH Army’s International Staff Sections HOWIE & LOYISO GOLA Fri 1 - Sat 2 and special guests, Sat 2 June, Sym- June, The Glee Club, Birmingham phony Hall, Birmingham BILL BAILEY Sat 2 June, Arena B’ham CLASSICAL OPERA - LA FINTA SEMPLICE OPERA IN 3 ACTS Featuring Ian Page SEAN PERCIVAL, STEVE BUGEJA, MIKE (conductor), Regula Mühlemann NEWALL & PETE OTWAY Sat 2 June, (Rosina), Chiara Skerath (Ninetta), The Comedy Loft, Birmingham Sophie Rennert (Giacinta), Alessan- TIM KEY Sun 3 June, The Glee Club, dro Fisher (Don Polidoro), Thomas Birmingham Elwin (Fracasso), Lukas Jakobski JOE SUTHERLAND Thurs 7 June, The (Don Cassandro) & Božidar Smiljani Core Theatre, Solihull (Simone), Sat 2 June, Birmingham ć Town Hall SCOTT CAPURRO, FERAZ OVEL & COM- EDY CAROUSEL WITH ANDY ROBINSON LICHFIELD CATHEDRAL CHORUS: Thurs 7 June, The Glee Club, B’ham PARRY'S CHORAL WORKS Sat 2 June Lichfield Garrick JARRED CHRISTMAS & VIV GROSKOP Thurs 7 June, MAC, Birmingham Titanic The Musical THOMAS TROTTER (ORGAN) & ROGER Birmingham Hippodrome, Mon 4 - Sat 9 June OWENS (PIANO) Programme includes IAN D MONTFORT, ALEX HYLTON, RAY- works by Williams (The Dream of MOND AND MR TIMPKINS REVUE & In the final hours of 14 April 1912, the RMS Titanic, on her maiden Olwen), Lutoslawski, Bedard and BARRY DODDS Thurs 7 June, The voyage from Southampton to New York, collided with an iceberg. George Hotel, Lichfield Mendelssohn, Mon 4 June, Sym- The ‘unsinkable ship’ slowly sank. It was one of the most tragic dis- phony Hall, Birmingham HELEN LEDERER, JOE SUTHERLAND asters of the 20th century, with 1,517 men, women and children los- MIDDAY MUSIC Featuring Tim Smith Thurs 7 June, The Core Theatre, Soli- hull ing their lives. Based on real people aboard the most legendary (piano) & Tzu-Jo Huang (percus- ship in the world, Titanic The Musical first opened on Broadway in sion). Programme includes works by MO GILLIGAN Fri 8 June, O2 Academy, Schubert, Masson & Cangelosi, Mon Birmingham 1997 and won five Tony Awards. This new production visits the 4 June, Recital Hall, Birmingham LAUREN PATTISON, MATT REED, SCOTT Midlands direct from London, and has enjoyed critical acclaim Conservatoire CAPURRO & SCOTT BENNETT Fri 8 - Sat across the board. THE WURTH PHILHARMONIC Featuring 9 June, The Glee Club, Birmingham Maxim Vengerov (conductor/violin) & JACK GLEADOW, STEVE HARRIS, BAR- venge, until Fri 3 Aug, Royal Shake- atre, Birmingham Stamatia Karampini (conductor). Pro- BARA NICE & TIM CLARK Sat 9 June, speare Theatre, Stratford-upon-Avon gramme includes works by J Strauss, The Comedy Loft, Birmingham THE BINGO CALLER Stephen Jackson's Bruch, Saint-Saëns & Tchaikovsky, MACBETH Shakespeare’s psychologi- one-man comedy show, Sat 2 - Sun 3 SARAH KENDALL Sun 10 June, MAC, Mon 4 June, Symphony Hall, B’ham cal thriller stars Christopher Eccle- June, Hall Green Little Theatre, Birm- Birmingham ston and Niamh Cusack, until Tues ingham 18 Sept, Royal Shakespeare Theatre, DAVID BADDIEL - MY FAMILY: NOT THE Stratford-upon-Avon SITCOM Olivier-nominated one-man Theatre ROMEO AND JULIET Shakespeare's fa- show about ‘memory, ageing, infi- mous story of love at first sight, until delity, dysfunctional relatives, moral OUR COUNTRY'S GOOD Timberlake Fri 21 Sept, Royal Shakespeare The- policing on social media, golf and Wertenbaker play based on the true atre, Stratford-upon-Avon gay cats’, Sun 3 June, Royal Shake- story of a group of convicts and a URINETOWN THE MUSICAL The Cres- speare Theatre, Stratford-upon-Avon young officer who rehearse and per- CITY OF BIRMINGHAM SYMPHONY OR- cent Theatre Company presents its A GRAND MUSIC HALL Fun and nostal- form Australia's first theatrical produc- CHESTRA: MOZART'S JUPITER Featuring version of the hit show, set in a time gia featuring Ian Adams, Don tion, until Sat 2 June, The REP, Jörg Widmann (Director/Clarinet). when water is worth its weight in Maclean, Van Buren & Allyson, Julie Birmingham Programme includes works by Wid- gold, Sat 26 May - Sat 2 June, Cres- Paton, Guy Rowland and Keith Min- mann, Weber & Mozart, Wed 6 June, cent Theatre, Birmingham shull, Mon 4 - Tues 5 June, Wolver- Symphony Hall, Birmingham 84 CHARING CROSS ROAD Hollywood hampton Grand Theatre COMMUTER CONCERT: COUPERIN SERIES actress Stefanie Powers stars along- TITANIC THE MUSICAL Award-winning RECITAL The second of the Conserva- side Clive Francis, Tues 29 May - Sat show focusing on the hopes, dreams toire’s year-long series of events cele- 2 June, Wolverhampton Grand The- and aspirations of those who brating the 350th year since atre boarded the RMS Titanic for her Couperin’s birth, Thurs 7 June, Royal maiden voyage from Southampton to Birmingham Conservatoire STOMP Smash-hit production, combining dance, comedy and music, in New York, Mon 4 - Sat 9 June, Birm- CITY OF BIRMINGHAM SYMPHONY OR- which familiar objects are used to ingham Hippodrome CHESTRA: BEST OF BOLLYWOOD Featur- create a universal language, Tues 29 "AIN'T NO ANGELS" Role-Play Produc- KING LEAR Return of Gregory Doran's ing Richard Davis (conductor), Piali May - Sat 2 June, Birmingham Hippo- tions recount the meeting of Al Jol- acclaimed production, with Antony Ray (choreographic director), drome son and Frank Sinatra, Tues 5 - Wed Sher reprising his role as King Lear, Dancers from Sampad South Asian 6 June, Sutton Coldfield Town Hall, until Sat 9 June, Royal Shakespeare CONCUBINE REP Foundry alumni Dance & Shin DCS, Navin Kundra, Birmingham Rekha Sawhney & Priti Kaur (vocal- Theatre, Stratford-upon-Avon Amahra Spence's one-woman show exploring womanhood, sexuality and CAROUSEL Trinity Players present ists), Fri 8 June, Symphony Hall, THE FANTASTIC FOLLIES OF MRS RICH faith, Thurs 31 May - Sat 2 June, The Rodgers & Hammerstein's hit show, Birmingham Mary Pix's comedy of manners, until REP, Birmingham Tues 5 - Sat 9 June, Lichfield Garrick TRADITIONAL TALES Featuring Cather- Thurs 14 June, The Swan Theatre, ine Arlidge (presenter) & the CBSO Stratford-upon-Avon THE ART OF BELIEVING Musical produc- SUNSHINE ON LEITH Brand new adap- tion from Daniel Martinez Flamenco tation of the Proclaimers musical, String Ensemble, Fri 8 - Sat 9 June, THE DUCHESS OF MALFI Maria Aberg Company, Sat 2 June, Crescent The- Tues 5 - Sat 9 June, Belgrade The- CBSO Centre, Birmingham directs John Webster's tale of re-

whatsonlive.co.uk 53 The List Birmingham Fri 1 - Sun 10 June.qxp_Layout 1 23/05/2018 11:15 Page 3

thelist atre, Coventry BACK TO THE 80S Birmingham Youth 2018, Sat 9 - Sun 10 June, Victoria DREAMBOYS ‘The UK's top male strip Theatre present a nostalgic romp Kids Show Square, Birmingham show, perfect for a girls’ night out through the 1980s’ greatest hits, MOON Follow Jack as he meets the PINOCCHIO Blue Orange Arts presents with all your friends’, Wed 6 June, Thurs 7 - Sat 9 June, The Old Rep Moon and embarks on an amazing its version of Carlo Collodi's much- Wolverhampton Grand Theatre Theatre, Birmingham adventure. Performed by 2Faced loved children's tale, Sat 26 May - Sat THE COMMANDER OF MAGIC The first in Dance Company. Part of Birmingham SONIC YOUTH SLEPT ON MY FLOOR 2 June, The Blue Orange Theatre, a ‘12 live chapter’ show, revealing International Dance Festival 2018, Sat Moseley-born music writer and Ha- Birmingham cienda DJ Dave Haslam ‘unveils his 200 years of magical history, Fri 8 9 - Sun 10 June, Victoria Square, FIRST STAGES: LITTLE RED HEN Theatri- autobiography’, Wed 6 June, Birm- June, The Blue Orange Theatre, Birmingham cal experience inviting younger audi- ingham Town Hall Birmingham BOLERO Jesús Rubio Gamo (Spain) ences to join the Little Red Hen and TINA T'URNER TEA LADY'S STEAMY explore the fine line separating plea- plant some grains of corn. Suitable BINGO ‘An hilarious evening celebrat- sure and exhaustion. Part of Birming- for children aged three-plus, Sat 2 ing bingo, music, tea and laughter!’ ham International Dance Festival June, The REP, Birmingham Fri 8 June, Old Joint Stock Theatre, 2018, Sat 9 - Sun 10 June, Victoria Birmingham THE OWL & THE PUSSYCAT Full House Square, Birmingham Theatre present a staging for TWIST & SHOUT Sing and dance along younger audiences, inspired by the with a West End cast to the music of nonsense world of Edward Lear, Sun The Beatles, Hermans Hermits., 10 June, Artrix, Bromsgrove Gerry & The Pacemakers and many more... Sat 9 June, The Core Theatre, Talks Solihull ANDREW MOTION: ESSEX CLAY Andrew APPLAUSE: A CABARET OF SONG & Motion’s in-verse biographical sequel DANCE Sat 9 June, Dovehouse The- to his 2006 prose memoir, In The atre, Olton, Solihull Dance Blood, Sat 2 June, MAC, Birmingham THE TEMPEST The Lord Chamberlain’s COMPANY WAYNE MCGREGOR: ATOMOS DAN SNOW - AN EVENING WITH THE HIS- Ten dancers perform McGregor’s TORY GUY Historian, broadcaster and DON JUAN IN CHICAGO Royal Birming- Men present an outdoor staging of contemporary-style choreography. TV presenter Dan recounts anec- ham Conservatoire Theatre School Shakespeare’s tale of illusion and re- 3D glasses are provided for part of dotes from his career, Wed 6 June, presents David Ives' time-travelling venge, Sat 9 June, Packwood House, the performance, Fri 1 - Sat 2 June, Artrix, Bromsgrove comedy, Wed 6 - Sat 9 June, Cres- Lapworth, Nr Solihull New Alexandra Theatre, Birmingham cent Theatre, Birmingham RHONDDA RIPS IT UP Lesley Garrett AUDIENCE WITH ANTONY SHER Sir MIDLANDS MADE Programme of new Antony talks about his new book, THE LADYBOYS OF BANGKOK: WONDER stars in a riotous romp through the commissions and presentations by Year Of The Mad King, an account of WOMEN TOUR Cabaret show celebrat- life of Margaret Haig Thomas (Lady artists living and working in the Mid- his experience playing King Lear for ing a host of female icons, Thurs 7 Rhondda), the Newport suffragette lands. Part of Birmingham Interna- the Royal Shakespeare Company, June, Wolverhampton Grand Theatre whose activities paved the way for women's rights, Sat 9 June, MAC, tional Dance Festival 2018, Mon 4 - Thurs 7 June, Royal Shakespeare LES MUSICALS G4's Jonathan Ansell Birmingham Fri 8 June, Victoria Square, B’ham Theatre, Stratford-upon-Avon joins forces with Rhydian Roberts for D-CONSTRUCTION Six dancers experi- an evening of song, Thurs 7 June, BRIAN CONLEY: THE GREATEST ENTER- ence the liberation of the mind New Alexandra Theatre, Birmingham TAINER All-new show featuring brand new comedy, sketches and songs, through movement. Part of Birming- TRYING IT ON David Edgar makes his Sun 10 June, New Alexandra The- ham International Dance Festival Film performance debut in a one-man au- atre, Birmingham 2018, Fri 8 June, Victoria Square, tobiographical play reflecting on the Birmingham INDEPENDENT LISTINGS: series of student revolts that took YOUR BEST GUESS New theatrical offer- ROLL UP, ROLL UP Simple Cypher (UK) place across the world in 1968, Thurs ing from the co-founder of Unlimited THE GUERNSEY LITERARY & POTATO fuse circus and dance in a fast-paced 7 - Sat 9 June, Warwick Arts Centre, Theatre, Chris Thorpe, and Por- PEEL PIE SOCIETY (12a) Drama/History. show featuring hypnotic juggling, Coventry. Read David’s feature on tuguese theatre company mala Starring Lily James, Michael Huis- breakdancing and daring Cyr wheel page 22. voadora, Sun 10 June, MAC, B’ham man. MAC, Birmingham, Fri 1 June feats... Part of Birmingham Interna- LADY BIRD (15) tional Dance Festival 2018, Fri 8 - Sat Comedy/Drama. Star- 9 June, Victoria Square, Birmingham ring Saoirse Ronan, Laurie Metcalf. Artrix, Bromsgrove, Fri 1 June INTRODUCING Showcase of new work THAT GOOD NIGHT (12a) Drama. Star- designed for unconventional perfor- ring John Hurt, Sofia Helin. Roses mance spaces, Sat 9 June, Vivid Pro- Theatre, Artrix, Bromsgrove, Mon 4 & jects, Minerva Works, Birmingham Sat 9 June THE LION, THE WITCH AND THE EDIE (U) Drama. Starring Sheila Han- WARDROBE Adage Dance & Fitness cock, Kevin Guthrie. MAC, B’ham, Fri Studio presents its dance interpreta- 8 June tion of CS Lewis's magical tale, Sat 9 - Sun 10 June, Crescent Theatre, JURASSIC WORLD: FALLEN KINGDOM Birmingham (12a) Adventure/Sci-Fi. Starring Chris GRAVITAS Dance and acrobatics com- Pratt, Bryce Dallas Howard. Electric bine in a performance exploring the Cinema, Birmingham, Wed 6 - Thurs basic and powerful forces of nature. 21 June Part of Birmingham International FINDING YOUR FEET (12a) Dance Festival 2018, Sat 9 - Sun 10 Comedy/Drama. Starring Joanna June, Victoria Square, Birmingham Lumley, Celia Imrie. Artrix, Broms- AIR & LA GRANDE DIDIER THERON grove, Fri 8 June Funny and original show featuring THE WOUND (15) Drama/Romance. four dancers dressed in inflatable Starring Nakhane Touré, Bongile latex suits which transform and mag- Mantsai. Foreign language, subtitled. nify their movements. Part of Birming- MAC, B’ham, Fri 8 - Sun 10 June The Ladyboys Of Bangkok: Wonder Women Tour - Wolverhampton Grand Theatre ham International Dance Festival MCQUEEN (15) Documentary. Starring

54 whatsonlive.co.uk The List Birmingham Fri 1 - Sun 10 June.qxp_Layout 1 23/05/2018 11:15 Page 4

Friday 1 - Sunday 10 June

Alexander McQueen. Electric Cin- WITSUN WEEK HALF TERM Family fun, ema, Birmingham, Fri 8 - Thurs 14 until Sun 3 June, Sarehole Mill, Hall June Green, Birmingham GREASE (18) Musical. Starring John JURASSIC SEAS Journey back in time Travolta, Olivia Newton-John. This to when dinosaurs roamed the land showing includes brunch. Mocking- and fearsome creatures lurked in the bird Cinema, B’ham, Sun 10 June depths of the sea, until Sun 3 June, National Sea Life Centre, Birmingham NEW FILMS ON GENERAL RELEASE: MADE IN THE BLACK COUNTRY Discover how manufacturing prowess put the Released from Fri 1 June, showing at region on the map, until Sun 3 June, selected cinemas Black Country Living Museum, Dud- BOOK CLUB (12a) ley ISMAEL'S GHOSTS (15) SOOTY & FRIENDS Join Sooty, Sweep L'AMANT DOUBLE (18) and Soo as they showcase their latest inventions, including the Super MY FRIEND DAHMER (15) Sonic Sootamatic, until Sun 3 June, Released from Wed 6 June, showing Cadbury World, Birmingham at selected cinemas PIRATE WEEK Until Sun 3 June, Selly JURASSIC WORLD: FALLEN KINGDOM Manor, Bournville, Birmingham (12a) BEYOND WINDRUSH: CARNIVAL WORK- Released from Fri 8 June, showing at SHOP Get in the spirit of the selected cinemas Caribbean by designing and creating smart footwear or a head dress in THE BOY DOWNSTAIRS (12) this ‘fun-filled carnival workshop’, Fri 1 June, MAC, Birmingham UK GAMES EXPO The premier event in the UK, featuring all aspects of the tabletop gaming hobby, Fri 1 - Sun 3 Events June, NEC, Birmingham CASTLE QUEST A must for those who BACKSTAGE TOUR: GENERAL Journey love solving riddles and having a go behind the scenes at one of Britain's at challenges, until Fri 1 June, Tam- premier producing theatres, Sat 2 worth Castle June, The REP, Birmingham OPERATION EARTH SHOW New family MUSICAL THEATRE OPEN MIC NIGHT show exploring the amazing stories Strut your stuff to anything and every- and science of the environment, until thing musical theatre, Sat 2 June, Old Fri 1 June, Thinktank Science Mu- Joint Stock Theatre, Birmingham seum, Birmingham JEWELLERY QUARTER HERITAGE WALK HALF-TERM FAMILY CRAFTS Find out Learn about the area’s history, its what keeps bees buzzing and have a buildings and businesses, Sat 2 go at bee-themed crafts, until Fri 1 June, Museum of the Jewellery Quar- June, Wightwick Manor, Wolver- ter, Birmingham Inspired Family Day hampton QUEEN VICTORIA CYCLOCROSS Featur- Birmingham City University (Parkside Building), Sat 9 June WAR OF THE ROSES LIVE The War of ing 300 riders from across the UK, all Taking place as part of the university’s annual Inspired Festival, the Roses unfolds in a new live action competing over ‘a course like no show, complete with stunt riders, other’, Sat 2 June, Blists Hill Victorian this action-packed day of free events and activities includes play- jousting and state-of-the-art special Town, Ironbridge in-a-day and Matilda-inspired illustration workshops, presented effects! Until Sun 3 June, Warwick COLLECTORMANIA 25 A unique event in association with Birmingham Hippodrome. Other attractions Castle for fans of pop culture and collecta- include make & take sessions, arts & craft drop-ins, exhibitions, HALF-TERM FAMILY FUN The museum bles, Sat 2 - Sun 3 June, NEC, B’ham the chance for visitors to star in their own TV show, jewellery celebrates the 70th birthday of Land TUDOR WEEKEND Have a go at Tudor making, textile workshops and a Commonwealth Games-inspired Rover with a selection of themed ac- games, quill pen writing and Tudor tivities, until Sun 3 June, British Motor sports day. dancing, Sat 2 - Sun 3 June, Museum, Gaydon Blakesley Hall, Birmingham THE WORLD OF PARK & LEISURE HOMES Castle SHOW View and explore around 60 STEAM POWER WEEKEND Featuring park homes & leisure lodges, Fri 8 - talks by engineers, and engines thun- Sun 10 June, Stoneleigh Park dering into action! Sat 9 - Sun 10 BEHIND THE SCENES TOURS Sat 9 June, June, Thinktank Science Museum, Birmingham Hippodrome Birmingham THE SPIRIT OF DANCE The Keep Fit As- THE ORIGINS OF MIDDLE EARTH WALK A sociation (KFA) presents its National guided walk exploring the area that Festival of Dance, Sat 9 June, Sym- inspired JRR Tolkien, Sun 10 June, phony Hall, Birmingham Sarehole Mill, Hall Green, B’ham WAR OF THE ROSES LIVE The War of RAF COSFORD AIR SHOW Featuring the Roses unfolds in a new live action ‘spectacular’ flying displays, military show, complete with stunt riders, exhibitions and static aircraft dis- jousting and state-of-the-art special plays, Sun 10 June, RAF Cosford, Jurassic Seas - National Sea Life Centre, Birmingham effects! Sat 9 - Sun 10 June, Warwick Shifnal

whatsonlive.co.uk 55 The List Birmingham Mon 11 - Sun 17 June.qxp_Layout 1 23/05/2018 17:36 Page 1

thelist SUPPORT FROM JASON Bramall, Birmingham MONTEVERDI: MADRIGALS OF WAR AND Gigs BROCK Thurs 14 & Fri HOLLYWOOD VAMPIRES Classical LOVE (STAGED) The Royal Birming- 15 June, Symphony Sat 16 June, Genting ham Conservatoire presents Mon- Hall, Birmingham teverdi's epic tales of conquered NOUVELLE VAGUE Mon Arena, Birmingham Music hearts and lovelorn battlefields. Jef- 11 June, Birmingham EMILY MAGUIRE Fri 15 SURF'S UP Sat 16 June, frey Skidmore conducts while Town Hall June, Artrix, Broms- Artrix, Bromsgrove MIDDAY MUSIC: MIKHAIL KAZAKEVICH grove (PIANO) Mon 11 June, Recital Hall, Matthew Sharp directs, Thurs 14 - JESSICA LYNN Tues 12 SOULED OUT 2 FUNK Sat Royal Birmingham Conservatoire Sat 16 June, Crescent Theatre, Birm- June, Hare & Hounds, FAITH - THE GEORGE 16 June, The Night ingham Birmingham MICHAEL LEGACY Fri 15 Owl, Birmingham JULIAN JACOBSON LECTURE RECITAL: June, Lichfield Garrick THE TEMPEST Julian Jacobson, Presi- FESTIVAL VOICES Featuring Sidney CHARLOTTE CARPENTER dent of the Beethoven Piano Society Brass (conductor). Programme in- THE QUO EXPERIENCE Sat 16 June, The Sun- cludes works by riks E envalds, Fri 15 June, Artrix, of Europe, begins a Beethoven flower Lounge, B’ham Javier Buston. Harris,Ē Mortenś Laurid- Bromsgrove thread that runs through Birming- ham International Piano Festival, sen, Mendellsohn, Rachmaninov, VICE SQUAD, THE LURK- with the first of three Lecture Recitals Sheremetev, arr. Moresan & Moses ERS, THE VIBRATORS, on a single Beethoven piano sonata, Hogan, Fri 15 June, The Barber Insti- YEAR ZERO & COMPLETE The Tempest, Mon 11 June, Royal tute, Birmingham DYSFUNCTION Fri 15 Birmingham Conservatoire NATALIA TRULL (PIANO) Programme June, The Flapper, includes works by Mozart, Brahms, Birmingham PAUL BADURA-SKODA (PIANO) Tues 12 June, Concert Hall, Royal Birming- Chopin & Debussy, Fri 15 June, SAFONE Fri 15 June, Concert Hall, Royal Birmingham ZACH SAID Tues 12 ham Conservatoire O2 Academy, B’ham Conservatoire June, O2 Academy, MIDDAY MUSIC: THE FITZROY QUARTET Birmingham PRINCE NIGHT Fri 15 Programme comprises Beethoven’s CITY OF BRISTOL CHOIR: CHORAL MAS- June, The Night Owl, TERPIECES Featuring David Ogden BROTHER FIRETRIBE String Quartets Op.18 No.3 & 4, Birmingham HOLLOWS, COLTANA, (conductor), Richard Johnson Tues 12 June, The Ac- Tues 12 June, Royal Birmingham MALONE & CHONG BOO- (organ), Kate Pearson (harp) and tress & Bishop, B’ham THE ELO ENCOUNTER GIE Sun 17 June, The Conservatoire Sat 16 June, Crescent Jeremy Little (percussion). Pro- DEMI LOVATO Tues 12 Sunflower Lounge, CHEN SHUHUA (PIANO) & CHEN JIAFENG Theatre, Birmingham gramme includes works by Howells, June, Arena B’ham Birmingham (VIOLIN) Programme includes works Finzi, Rheinberger, Chilcott & Bern- URBAN INTRO Sat 16 by Chopin, Wanghua Chu & LIONEL RICHIE - ALL THE TRIBUTE TO JOHNNY stein, Sat 16 June, Ludlow Assembly June, The Jam House, Beethoven, Tues 12 June, Concert HITS Wed 13 June, CASH - KEEP IT CASH Rooms, South Shropshire Birmingham Hall, Royal Birmingham Conserva- Montgomery Waters Sun 17 June, The toire BIRMINGHAM GAY SYMPHONY ORCHES- Meadow, Shrewsbury DIG? Sat 16 June, The Robin, Bilston TRA - 10TH ANNIVERSARY CONCERT Sat Night Owl, B’ham JULIAN JACOBSON LECTURE RECITAL: NOFX Thurs 14 June, TONY CHRISTIE Sun 17 16 Jun, Birmingham Conservatoire ‘WALDSTEIN’ SONATA Programme O2 Institute, B’ham GOSPEL REVISITED PRO- June, Lichfield Garrick JECT Sat 16 June, The comprises Beethoven’s Piano GARY BARLOW PLUS Sonata No.21 in C major, Op.53 (‘Waldstein’), Wed 13 June, Recital Hall, Royal Birmingham Conserva- toire VOLKOV CONDUCTS BRAHMS Featuring the City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra, Ilan Volkov (conductor) & Alisa Weilerstein (cello). Programme includes works by Holst, Shostakovich & Brahms, Wed 13 June, Symphony Hall, Birmingham Comedy KAMIKAZE CLUB NIGHTS Mon 11 June, The Blue Orange Theatre, B’ham DOUG STANHOPE Tues 12 June, O2 Academy, Birmingham

YOUNG ARTIST RECITAL: SUSANNA BRAUN (PIANO) Part of Birmingham International Piano Festival, Wed 13 June, Recital Hall, Royal Birmingham Lionel Richie Conservatoire Montgomery Waters Meadow, Shrewsbury, Wed 13 June PETER DONOHOE: MOZART PIANO CYCLE Boasting in excess of 100 million album sales, a Golden Globe, RECITAL - 65TH BIRTHDAY TRIBUTE CONCERT Programme includes 5 CRAIG DIXON Thurs 14 June, The numerous Grammy Awards and the Crystal Award for Humani- works by Mozart, Wed 13 June, Coc- Patrick Kavanagh, Moseley, B’ham tarianism, Lionel Richie is a 24-carat superstar. This latest con- nert Hall, Royal Birmingham Conser- TOM WRIGGLESWORTH, IAN COPPINGER cert - All The Hits - blends new material with old. Undoubtedly vatoire & COMEDY CAROUSEL WITH ANDY on the playlist will be classics from his extensive and much- JULIAN JACOBSON LECTURE RECITAL: ROBINSON Thurs 14 June, The Glee loved repertoire, such as Hello, Dancing On The Ceiling and APPASSIONATA Part of Birmingham In- Club, Birmingham Endless Love, as well as mega-hits from his Commodore days, ternational Piano Festival, Thurs 14 LLOYD LANGFORD, CHRIS STOKES like Easy, Brickhouse and Three Times A Lady. June, Concert Hall, Royal Birming- Thurs 14 June, MAC, Birmingham ham Conservatoire

56 whatsonlive.co.uk The List Birmingham Mon 11 - Sun 17 June.qxp_Layout 1 23/05/2018 17:36 Page 2

Monday 11 - Sunday 17 June

TOM WRIGGLESWORTH, IAN COPPINGER, SISTER ACT Amateur staging of the CHRIS BETTS & COMIC TBC Fri 15 - Sat feelgood musical comedy based on 16 June, The Glee Club, Birmingham the 1992 film of the same name, Tues JARLATH REGAN, STEVE SHANYASKI, 12 - Sat 16 June, The Core Theatre, PHIL ELLIS & RO CAMPBELL Sat 16 Solihull June, The Comedy Loft, Birmingham CRIMES OF THE HEART Royal Birming- KEVIN PRECIOUS & DOM HOLLAND Sat ham Conservatoire Theatre Company 16 June, Artrix, Bromsgrove present a staging of Beth Henley's dark comedy, which tells of three Mis- JOEL DOMMET, TROY HAWKE, ROB DEER- sissippi sisters loving, feuding and ING & WAYNE BEESE Sat 16 June, fussing their way through a very bad Brierley Hill Civic Hall, Dudley day, Wed 13 - Sat 16 June, The Old Rep Theatre, Birmingham MADRIGALS OF WAR AND LOVE Royal Birmingham Conservatoire presents Monteverdi’s opera - an epic tale of conquered hearts and lovelorn bat- tles, Thurs 14 - Sat 16 June, Crescent Theatre, Birmingham YOUNG REP: SEE ME The Young REP Intermediate Company present a show based on their own experiences in the education system, Fri 15 - Sat 16 June, The REP, Birmingham The Life And Rhymes MURDER, MARGARET AND ME Amateur Of Benjamin Zephaniah staging of Philip Meeks’ black comedy, Fri 15 - Sat 23 June, Hall Green Birmingham Town Hall, Fri 15 June Little Theatre, Birmingham Birmingham-born poet Benjamin Zephaniah here presents a tour- WOYZECK Theatre and dance coming show in support of his recently published autobiography. With bine in an exhilarating story about his life experiences including befriending Nelson Mandela, fight- fighting for a better life, Fri 15 - Sat 23 ing in the 1980s race riots and recording radical reggae music with June, The REP, Birmingham Bob Marley’s former band, Benjamin certainly has a fascinating DIVORCED, BEHEADED, DIED: AN AUDI- story or several to tell, and will also be sharing a selection of his ENCE WITH KING HENRY VIII His Majesty recounts the events of his favourite poems. reign, Sat 16 June, Old Joint Stock Theatre, Birmingham physical theatre company Kallo Col- Stock, Aitken & Waterman to Pop lective and production company Idol, Wed 13 June, Birmingham Town Show Pony. Part of Birmingham Inter- Hall national Dance Festival 2018, Fri 15- THE LIFE AND RHYMES OF BENJAMIN Theatre Sat 16 June, MAC, Birmingham ZEPHANIAH Birmingham-born writer Kids Show Benjamin shares a selection of TRYING IT ON David Edgar makes his WHAT THE LADYBIRD HEARD Two crafty favourite stories and poems, Fri 15 performance debut in a one-man au- robbers, one tiny ladybird, and a June, Birmingham Town Hall tobiographical play reflecting on the whole farmyard of fun!, Tues 12 - HIT THE ODE Apples And Snakes pre- series of student revolts that took Wed 13 June, Birmingham Hippo- sent a unique performance poetry place across the world in 1968, Tues drome night, Fri 15 June, The Patrick Centre, 12 - Wed 13 June, The REP, B’ham Birmingham Hippodrome Read David’s feature on page 22 KINDUR: THE ADVENTUROUS LIFE OF ICELANDIC SHEEP A ‘magical interac- BEAUTIFUL - THE CAROLE KING MUSICAL tive theatre experience’ for young au- The inspiring true story of the chart- diences. Part of Birmingham topping music legend, Tues 12 - Sat International Dance Festival 2018, Sat 16 June, Wolverhampton Grand The- 16 - Sun 17 June, MAC, B’ham atre Film INDEPENDENT LISTINGS: THE CASE OF THE FRIGHTENED LADY The Agatha Christie Company pre- LADY BIRD (15) Comedy/Drama. Star- sent a new thriller from the pen of ring Saoirse Ronan, Laurie Metcalf. Edgar Wallace, Tues 12 - Sat 16 Artrix, Bromsgrove, Mon 11 June June, Belgrade Theatre, Coventry Dance REDOUBTABLE (15) Biography/Com- CANDOCO DANCE COMPANY Brand new SUMMER HOLIDAY Brand new staging MINI Immersive dance activity for chil- edy. Starring Louis Garrel, Stacy Mar- double bill. Part of Birmingham Inter- based on the iconic 1960s film of the dren aged two to four. Part of Birm- tin. Foreign language, subtitled. national Dance Festival 2018, Wed 13 same name. Ray Quinn and Bobby ingham International Dance Festival MAC, Birmingham, Mon 11 - Thurs 14 - Thurs 14 June, MAC, Birmingham Crush star, Tues 12 - Sat 16 June, 2018, Sat 16 - Sun 17 June, MAC, June New Alexandra Theatre, Birmingham ELEMENTS OF FREESTYLE Explosion of Birmingham FINDING YOUR FEET (12a) HAIRSPRAY Smash-hit musical follow- sports, music, dance and theatre, de- Comedy/Drama. Starring Joanna ing the story of Tracy Turnblad, a big livering a fresh look at urban arts. Lumley, Celia Imrie. Artrix, Broms- girl with big hair and an even bigger Part of Birmingham International grove, Wed 13 June heart who’s on a mission to follow Dance Festival, Thurs 14 June, Birm- THAT GOOD NIGHT (12a) Drama. Star- her dreams and dance her way onto ingham Hippodrome Talks ring John Hurt, Sofia Helin. Artrix, national TV, Tues 12 - Sat 16 June, KALLO COLLECTIVE: ONLY BONES V 1.0 Bromsgrove, Fri 15 June Regent Theatre, Stoke-on-Trent Award-winning solo production by AN EVENING WITH PETE WATERMAN Pete talks about his career, from HEREDITARY (15) Horror/Mystery. Star- whatsonlive.co.uk 57 The List Birmingham Mon 11 - Sun 17 June.qxp_Layout 1 23/05/2018 17:36 Page 3

58 whatsonlive.co.uk The List Birmingham Mon 11 - Sun 17 June.qxp_Layout 1 23/05/2018 17:37 Page 4

thelist Monday 11 - Sunday 17 June ring Toni Collette, Gabriel Byrne. ROYAL THREE COUNTIES SHOW Try your VAL One of the Midlands’ leading Electric Cinema, Birmingham, from hand at different activities, ‘bond’ with food festivals, Sat 16 - Sun 17 June, Fri 15 June Events friendly animals and enjoy non-stop Droitwich Spa, Worcestershire A GENTLE CREATURE (18) Drama/Mys- BBC GOOD FOOD SHOW SUMMER Fea- main arena entertainment, culminat- TRAMPOLINE AND TUMBLING REGIONAL tery. Starring Vasilina Makovtseva, turing live demonstrations by Michel ing in the Grand Parade of Livestock, TEAM FINALS Sat 16 - Sun 17 June, Liya Akhedzhakova. Foreign lan- Roux Jr, Tom Kerridge, Raymond Fri 15 - Sun 17 June, Three Counties Arena Birmingham Blanc, James Martin, Mary Berry and Showground, Malvern guage, subtitled. MAC, Birmingham, MINI BUILDERS WEEKEND Featuring Fri 15 - Sun 17 June the Hairy Bikers. Don’t forget, you 80S NIGHT Sat 16 June, West Midland can explore BBC Gardeners’ World Lego workshops, crafts and story- MY FRIEND DAHMER (15) Safari and Leisure Park, Bewdley, Nr telling, Sat 16 - Sun 17 June, Think- Live as part of your ticket too, Thurs Kidderminster Biography/Drama. Starring Ross 14 - Sun 17 June, NEC, Birmingham tank Science Museum, Birmingham Lynch, Alex Wolff. MAC, Birmingham, HOME ON THE RANGE Discover the BEST OF BRITISH: CLASSIC CARS Sat 16 Fri 15 - Thurs 21 June BBC GARDENERS' WORLD LIVE Featur- challenges of feeding the family in ing ‘stunning’ show gardens, a floral - Sun 17 June, Kenilworth Castle THROUGH OUR EYES (18) Documentary. the Victorian period, from working the marquee, and live demonstrations by range to washing the pots. Cook FALCONRY DAY Sun 17 June, Includes Q&A with Director. MAC, Monty Don, Alan Titchmarsh, Carol Blakesley Hall, Birmingham Birmingham, Sat 16 June some hearty Black Country fayre for Klein, Joe Swift and Adam Frost. your lunch and bake a cake to take FESTIVAL OF BLACK COUNTRY VEHICLES SHIRAZ: A ROMANCE OF INDIA (U) Don’t forget, your ticket includes free home, Sat 16 June, Black Country Featuring cars, motorcycles and Drama/Romance. Silent film. MAC, entry to the BBC Good Food Show, Living Museum, Dudley commercial vehicles built in the Black Birmingham, Sun 17 June Thurs 14 - Sun 17 June, NEC, Birm- Country, Sun 17 June, Black Country ingham MINI Immersive dance activity for children aged between two and four. Part Living Museum, Dudley NEW FILMS ON GENERAL RELEASE: TRAM DRIVING EXPERIENCE DAY Join of Birmingham International Dance the expert team to learn about the Released from Fri 15 June, showing Festival, Sat 16 - Sun 17 June, MAC, history and workings of the trams in Birmingham at selected cinemas the collection, Fri 15 June, Black HEREDITARY (15) Country Living Museum, Dudley WAR OF THE ROSES LIVE The War of the Roses unfolds in a new live action SUPER TROOPERS 2 (15) INTERNATIONAL MODEL AIR SHOW Pop- show, complete with stunt riders, THE CIAMBRA (15) ular model air show featuring a whole jousting and state-of-the-art special host of displays and exhibitors, Fri 15 THE HAPPY PRINCE (15) effects! Sat 16 - Sun 17 June, War- - Sun 17 June, Weston Park, Nr Shif- wick Castle nal, Staffs DROITWICH SPA FOOD AND DRINK FESTI-

whatsonlive.co.uk 59 The List Birmingham Mon 18 - Sun 24 June.qxp_Layout 1 23/05/2018 11:13 Page 1

60 whatsonlive.co.uk The List Birmingham Mon 18 - Sun 24 June.qxp_Layout 1 23/05/2018 11:13 Page 2

thelist Monday 18 - Sunday 24 June ingham Classical PELLÉAS ET MÉLISANDE Featuring Mirga Gražinyt -Tyla (conductor), MIDDAY MUSIC: BAX Featuring Joe Jacques Imbrailoė (Pelléas), Katja Stu- Wallace (clarinet) & Veronika ber (Mélisande), Laurent Naouri (Go- Tabakova (piano). Programme in- laud, Grandson of Arkel), Matthew cludes a selection of piano solos and Best (Arkel, King), Dame Felicity Bax’s Clarinet Sonata, Mon 18 June, Palmer (Geneviève, Mother) plus Recital Hall, Royal Birmingham Con- members of CBSO Chorus, Sat 23 servatoire June, Symphony Hall, B’ham ROYAL BIRMINGHAM CONSERVATOIRE JUNIOR CHAMBER MUSIC CONCERT CHAMBER CHOIR Programme includes Soloists, chamber musicians, choirs works by James MacMillan & Henryk and orchestras from the Junior Con- Gorecki, Mon 18 June, St Alban The servatoire join together in a fitting fi- Martyr, Highgate, Birmingham nale to the end of term, Sat 23 June, BCMG: NEW WORK Programme to in- Recital Hall, Royal Birmingham Con- clude works by Susannah Self, Oliver servatoire Farrow, Hannah Liu, Ivan Cancialosi, WNO FAMILY CONCERT Welsh National Rob Roberts, Soul Zisso & Georgia Opera’s Family Concert is the perfect Lenny Kravitz - Arena Birmingham Denham, Mon 18 June, The Lab, way to introduce all of the family to Royal Birmingham Conservatoire Birmingham O2 Academy, B’ham some of the extraordinary characters THOMAS TROTTER LUNCHTIME ORGAN from the opera world, Sun 24 June, ZIMMER VS. WILLIAMS THE ONLY WAY IS Gigs CONCERT: LADIES’ DAY Programme in- Birmingham Town Hall Fri 22 June, Symphony GARAGE #5 Sat 23 cludes works by E. Wallen, J. Marsh, KATY PERRY Mon 18 BIRMINGHAM PHILHARMONIC ORCHES- Hall, Birmingham June, Mama Roux's, K. Kulkova, M. Dring, J. Weir & J. June, Arena B’ham TRA: ORGAN SYMPHONY Featuring THE BLUEJAYS ROCK Birmingham Demessieuz, Mon 18 June, Birming- GEORGE BENSON Mon David Saint (organ) & Robin Ireland AND ROLL REVOLUTION B'SPOKE Sat 23 June, ham Town Hall 18 June, Symphony (viola). Programme includes works Fri 22 June, Brierley The Jam House, Birm- Hall, Birmingham MIDDAY MUSIC: ALEXANDER BAILLIE by Saint-Saens, Faure & Walton, Sun Hill Civic Hall, Dudley ingham (CELLO) Also featuring John Thwaites 24 June, St Chad’s Cathedral, Birm- J.I.D & EARTHGANG Tues THE JAM'D Fri 22 June, LIMEHOUSE LIZZY Sat (piano), Tues 19 June, Concert Hall, ingham 19 June, O2 Institute, The Robin, Bilston 23 June, The Robin, Royal Birmingham Conservatoire Birmingham SUTTON COLDFIELD CHOIR Sun 24 Bilston B'SPOKE Fri 22 June, BAXFEST Featuring The Artume Quar- June, The Bramall, Birmingham RICHIE KOTZEN Tues 19 The Jam House, Birm- CHEMIKILL, SPIRAL DIVE, tet and special guests Lucia Vein- June, The Robin, Bil- ingham INFLUENS & HAMEREX timilla (violin) & Greta Astedt (piano), ston CARA DILLON: WAN- Sat 23 June, Scruffy Tues 19 June, Concert Hall, Royal JAZZLINES PRESENTS... DERER TOUR Fri 22 Murphys, Birmingham Birmingham Conservatoire LUCINDA Tues 19 June, June, Artrix, Broms- TREORCHY MALE CHOIR EX CATHEDRA: SUMMER MUSIC BY CAN- The Jam House, Birm- Comedy grove Sat 23 June, Artrix, DLELIGHT Featuring Jeffrey Skidmore ingham PAUL LAMB & THE KING Bromsgrove (conductor), Tues 19 - Wed 20 June, NOREEN KHAN, ALI OFFICIAL, GUZ KHAN, LENNY KRAVITZ Wed 20 ESHANN AKBAR & AATIF NAWAZ SNAKES Fri 22 June, HIGHER ON MAIDEN Sat Birmingham Cathedral Sun 17 June, Arena B’ham June, The Glee Club, Birmingham Pizza Express Live, 23 June, Route 44, ANNA VIENNA HO (PIANO) Programme AOEDE Wed 20 June, Birmingham Birmingham includes works by Wagner/Liszt, De- MATT PRICE, MARK MAIER & COMEDY The Jam House, Birm- CAROUSEL WITH ANDY ROBINSON Thurs THE FOOD FIGHTERZ Fri KICK UP THE 80S Sat 23 bussy, Ravel & Liszt, Wed 20 June, ingham 21 June, The Glee Club, Birmingham 22 June, The River June, The River Recital Hall, Royal Birmingham Con- STARCRAWLER Thurs 21 Rooms, Stourbridge Rooms, Stourbridge servatoire MATT PRICE, MARK MAIER, TEZ ILYAS & June, O2 Academy, CRAIG HILL Fri 22 June, The Glee BARRY STEELE & THE STRAIGHT ACES Sat MUSSORGSKY MEETS MOZART Featur- Birmingham Club, Birmingham FRIENDS - THE ROY OR- 23 June, The Night ing the Royal Birmingham Conserva- MAMAS GUN Thurs 21 BISON STORY Sat 23 Owl, Birmingham toire Brass Band, Tredegar Town YIANNI AGISILAOU & ALFIE BROWN Fri June, The Jam House, Band & Ian Porthouse (conductor), 22 June, Wolverhampton Grand June, Lichfield Garrick OASIS MAYBE WORLD Birmingham Wed 20 June, Concert Hall, Royal Theatre DIG? Sat 23 June, The CUP PARTY Sun 24 Birmingham Conservatoire STEVE GIBBONS Thurs Night Owl, B’ham June, The Night Owl, BEN MCCARTHY Sat 23 June, Crescent 21 June, The Robin, Birmingham COMMUTER CONCERT: YU-TZU KUNG Theatre, Birmingham PIST.ON Sat 23 June, (PERCUSSION) Also featuring Anton Bilston MATT PRICE, MARK MAIER, DOMINIC Clarke-Butler (clarinet), Begum JACQUI DANKWORTH: HOLLAND & CRAIG HILL Sat 23 June, Bensu Ünsal (violin) & Gloria BROMSGROVE FESTIVAL The Glee Club, Birmingham Yehilevsky (percussion). An eclectic Thurs 21 June, Artrix, programme includes solo percussion TEZ ILYAS, ADAM ROWE, ELLIOTT STEEL Bromsgrove with electronics, a percussion duo & THE RAYMOND AND MR TIMPKINS RE- BILLY IDOL Thurs 21 piece, a trio for violin, clarinet and VIEW Sat 23 June, The Comedy Loft, June, O2 Academy, marimba and a special focus on jazz Birmingham Birmingham music, Thurs 21 June, Recital Hall, THE BARRON KNIGHTS Royal Birmingham Conservatoire Thurs 21 June, The THALLEIN ENSEMBLE & JENNIFER WAL- Core Theatre, Solihull SHE Featuring Daniele Rosina (con- THE UK PINK FLOYD EX- ductor), Fri 22 June, Royal PERIENCE Fri 22 June, Birmingham Conservatoire Lichfield Garrick LONDON CONCERT ORCHESTRA: ZIMMER SENSATERIA WITH KINGS VS. WILLIAMS Featuring Anthony In- OF HONG KONG AND THE glis (conductor) Programme includes VOO-DOOMS Fri 22 some of the very best scores from June, The Night Owl, George Benson - Symphony Hall, Birmingham two great film composers, Fri 22 - Sun 24 June, Symphony Hall, Birm- whatsonlive.co.uk 61 The List Birmingham Mon 18 - Sun 24 June.qxp_Layout 1 23/05/2018 11:13 Page 3

June 2018 www.artrix.co.uk

Wednesday 6 June Thursday 7 June Sunday 10 June DAN SNOW LIPSTICK ON YOUR THE OWL & THE COLLAR PUSSYCAT AN EVENING WITH THE FABULOUS 50S & 60S SHOW A FIZZGIGGIOUS SHOW BY HISTORY GUY FULL HOUSE THEATRE

Thursday 21 June Friday 22 June Monday 25 June JACQUI CARA DILLON THE LADYBOYS OF DANKWORTH PERFORMING MATERIAL BANGKOK ONE OF BRITAIN’S FINEST FROM WANDERER AND 20TH ANNIVERSARY JAZZ SINGERS MORE WONDER WOMEN TOUR

COMING SOON: Fleetwood Bac, Absolute Bowie, Quill, Classic Clapton, The Quo Experience, Emily Maguire, Surf’s Up, Barnstormers Comedy, Twist, Treorchy Male Choir, Doctor Dolittle, Led Hendrix, Duran vs True Gold, Kast Off Kinks, Redditch Orchestra, Desperado Dean Friedman, Bon Jovi Experience, Abba Reunion, Jay Foreman, 60s Night Out, Little Red Riding Hood, Simple Politics, The Counterfeit Sixties,Kelly Oliver, Chantel McGregor, Scummy Mummies, Totally Tina…

Free parking on-site Join our Mailing List and receive our weekly e-flyer withup-to-date information about upcoming showsor download our latest brochure @artrixarts @artrix arts centre Artrix, Slideslow Drive, Bromsgrove, B60 1GN Box Office: 01527 577330

62 whatsonlive.co.uk The List Birmingham Mon 18 - Sun 24 June.qxp_Layout 1 23/05/2018 11:13 Page 4

thelist Monday 18 - Sunday 24 June DEEPSPACE Intimate performance - Theatre combining dance, sound and installation - which examines our curiosity BIRDSONG An epic tale set both be- for the unknown... Fri 22 - Sat 23 fore and during the Great War, Mon June, Quantum Exhibition Space, 18 - Sat 23 June, New Alexandra The- The Works, Birmingham atre, Birmingham NEW CREATION Celebrated choreogra- TWIST Quentin Tarantino meets British phers Bengolea and Holzinger join farce in a ‘rip-roaring’ comedy thriller forces to confront the limits of the from Baroque Theatre Company, body and its representation in rela- Tues 19 June, Artrix, Bromsgrove tionship to nature. Part of Birming- POETS, PRATTLERS, AND PANDEMONIAL- ham International Dance Festival ISTS Dave, Emma and Steve meet in 2018, Sat 23 June, The Patrick Stu- a pub somewhere a lot like Wolver- dio, Birmingham Hippodrome hampton to plot their path to fame and fortune, Tues 19 June, Old Joint Stock Theatre, Birmingham MEASURE FOR MEASURE Outdoor stag- Talks ing of the Bard’s darkest comedy, Wed 20 - Sat 23 June, Italian Gar- AN AUDIENCE WITH SIMON KING Fully il- dens, Maple Hayes School, Lichfield lustrated talk in which Simon shows how to communicate with the ani- WHISKY GALORE Tribute to the all-fe- mals in your neighbourhood, Thurs male touring companies of the post- 21 June, Lichfield Garrick war years, Wed 20 - Sat 23 June, Belgrade Theatre, Coventry AN EVENING WITH TONY IOMMI The legendary Black Sabbath guitarist talks FORBIDDEN NIGHTS ‘Thrilling action about his life and career, Sat 23 June, and provocative choreography, with Birmingham Town Hall the ultimate forbidden strip tease (and a few men in uniform thrown in for good measure)’, Thurs 21 June, Crescent Theatre, Birmingham INTO THE WOODS Akorn Theatrical Pro- ductions present a concert version of Film the Stephen Sondheim show, Thurs INDEPENDENT LISTINGS: 21 - Fri 22 June, MAC, Birmingham JEUNE FEMME (15) Drama. Starring WASTE Royal Birmingham Conserva- Laetitia Dosch, Souleymane Seye Gazelle Twin - Supersonic Festival at The Custard Factory, Birmingham toire presents Harley Granville Ndiaye. Foreign language, subtitled. Barker's controversial political mas- MAC, Birmingham, Mon 18 - Thurs 21 gupta, Sayantika Banerjee. Foreign Fleece Inn, Bretforton, Nr Evesham terpiece, Thurs 21 - Sat 23 June, The June language, subtitled. MAC, B’ham, FABULOUS FASCINATORS Have a go at Sun 24 June Old Rep Theatre, Birmingham THE GUERNSEY LITERARY & POTATO making your own fascinator, Sat 23 THE UNBINDING Wrong Shoes Theatre PEEL PIE SOCIETY (12a) Drama/History. June, Black Country Living Museum, Company present a dark and spell- Starring Lily James, Michael Huis- NEW FILMS ON GENERAL RELEASE: Dudley binding world, where those who dare man. Artrix, Mon 18 & Fri 22 June Released from Mon 18 June, show- DISCOVERY DAY Take part in fun work- to stand out from the crowd are OCEAN'S 8 (12a) Comedy/Crime. Star- ing at selected cinemas shops and activities, including face treated with hatred and suspicion, Fri ring Sandra Bullock, Cate Blanchett. painting, a scar bar, crafts, wigs and OCEAN'S 8 (tbc) 22 - Sat 23 June, Old Joint Stock Electric Cinema, Birmingham, from more, Sat 23 June, The REP, B’ham Theatre, Birmingham Fri 22 June IN THE FADE (18) STEAMPUNK FESTIVAL WEEKEND Fea- MISS LITTLEWOOD New musical based ALL THE WILD HORSES (15) Documen- turing market stalls, exhibitions, talks on the life of theatre director and an- tary/Adventure. Starring George and shows celebrating all things archic revolutionist Joan Littlewood, Azarias, Andrew Challen. Foreign lan- steampunk, Sat 23 - Sun 24 June, Fri 22 June - Sat 4 Aug, The Swan guage, subtitled. MAC, Birmingham, Blists Hill Victorian Town, Ironbridge, Theatre, Stratford-upon-Avon Fri 22 - Sun 24 June Events Shropshire THOROUGHBREDS (15) Drama/Thriller. SUPERSONIC FESTIVAL Capsule’s inter- WAR OF THE ROSES LIVE The War of Starring Olivia Cooke, Anya Taylor- nationally renowned experimental the Roses unfolds in a new live action Joy. MAC, Birmingham, Fri 22 - Sun music and arts festival, Fri 22 - Sun show, complete with stunt riders, 24 June 24 June, The Custard Factory, Birm- jousting and state-of-the-art special effects! Sat 23 - Sun 24 June, War- Kids Shows SOLO: A STAR WARS STORY (12a) Sci- ingham wick Castle DOCTOR DOOLITTLE Brand new musi- fi/Drama. Starring Alden Ehrenreich, JAGUAR SUPER SATURDAY Featuring an cal show for all the family, Sun 24 Woody Harrelson. Mockingbird Cin- array of vehicles spanning 90-plus MIDSUMMER MADNESS Watch the Tu- June, Artrix, Bromsgrove ema, Birmingham, Fri 22 - Thurs 28 years of motoring, Sat 23 June, dors get into midsummer mischief as June Coventry Transport Museum they celebrate the longest day of the year, Sat 23 - Sun 24 June, Mary MY SON IS GAY (12a) Drama/Family. SUPERSONIC FESTIVAL: KIDS GIG WITH Arden's Farm, Stratford-upon-Avon Starring Anupama Kumar, Ashwinjith. THE EX Featuring an underground Foreign language, subtitled. MAC, band from the Netherlands who form 400 YEARS OF ASTON HALL: A ROYAL Dance Birmingham, Sat 23 June a riot of sound and fury that’s ‘both VISIT - Travel back to 1642, when Sir Thomas Holte is honoured by a visit BRB POLARITY & PROXIMITY Triple bill 2001 A SPACE ODYSSEY (U) Adven- sonically adventurous and feverishly from King Charles I, Sun 24 June, of work: Alexander Whitley’s Kin, ture/Sci-Fi. Starring Keir Dullea, Gary compelling’, Sat 23 June, MAC, Birm- Aston Hall, Birmingham Twyla Tharp’s In The Upper Room Lockwood. Electric Cinema, Birming- ingham and George Williamson’s Embrace, ham, Sat 23 - Sun 24 June VALE OF EVESHAM NATIONAL MORRIS SUMMER FOOD FAIR Sun 24 June, Sarehole Mill, Birmingham Wed 20 - Sat 23 June, Birmingham UMA (PG) Drama. Starring Jishu Sen- FESTIVAL A weekend of ‘colour, music Hippodrome and movement’, Sat 23 June, The

whatsonlive.co.uk 63 The List Birmingham Mon 25 - Sat 30 June.qxp_Layout 1 23/05/2018 11:17 Page 1 The List Birmingham Mon 25 - Sat 30 June.qxp_Layout 1 23/05/2018 11:17 Page 2

thelist Monday 25 - Saturday 30 June SINFONIA OF BIRMINGHAM ORCHES- Classical TRAL DELIGHTS Programme includes works by Dvorak, Villa-Lobos, Beethoven, Sat 30 June, St Andrews Music Church, Barnt Green, Birmingham FITKINWALL: PARTIAL SCREAMING Fea- SINFONIA OF BIRMINGHAM: SUMMER turing Graham Fitkin & Ruth Wall SERENADE Featuring Richard Laing (piano/synthesizers), Mon 25 June, (conductor). Programme includes Recital Hall, Royal Birmingham Con- works by Dvorak, Villa-Lobos & servatoire (12.10pm - 1.10pm) Beethoven, Sat 30 June, Artrix, FITKINWALL Featuring Graham Fitkin Bromsgrove (Moog synthesizer & electronics) & THE LONDON CONCERT ORCHESTRA: Ruth Wall (harps). Programme com- LAST NIGHT OF THE SUMMER PROMS prises Graham Fitkin (Lost - extracts) Featuring Anna Patalong (soprano), & Steve Reich (Harp Phase), Mon 25 Nicky Spence (tenor) & Hilary Davan June, Recital Hall, Royal Birmingham Wetton (conductor). Programme in- Conservatoire (6pm - 7pm) cludes works by Rossini, Sousa, FITKINWALL: HARD FAIRY Featuring the Pachelbel, Sibelius, Elgar, Bizet, Royal Birmingham Conservatoire Tchaikovsky, Puccini, Verdi, Suppe, Gounod, Handel, Holst & Wood, Sat Travis - Symphony Hall, Birmingham Saxophone Department, Royal Birm- ingham Conservatoire Harp Depart- 30 June, Symphony Hall, B’ham THE MANFREDS Thurs Live, Birmingham ment, Ruth Wall & Eleanor Turmer BIRMINGHAM BACH CHOIR ESPRESSIVO! (harps). Programme includes 5 Featuring a programme of Italian 28 June, The Core GROUPER Sat 30 June, Gigs works by Graham Fitkin, Mon 25 choral music, Sat 30 June, St Theatre, Solihull The Jam House, Birm- FRESH, GREAT WIGHT, June, Recital Hall, Royal Birmingham Alban’s Church. Birmingham LED HENDRIX Fri 29 ingham ECHO BEACH & P.E.T. Conservatoire (8pm) JUNIOR WIND ORCHESTRA & CHORAL June, Artrix, Broms- DAMIAN MARLEY (PIC- Mon 25 June, The MIDDAY MUSIC: JESS GILLAM Tues 26 CONCERT Sat 30 June, Recital Hall, grove TURED) Sat 30 June, Sunflower Lounge, June, Recital Hall, Royal Birmingham Royal Birmingham Conservatoire JANINE JOHNSON 'SOUL O2 Academy, B’ham Birmingham Conservatoire IN THE CITY' Fri 29 TRAVIS Mon 25 June, June, Pizza Express CITY OF BIRMINGHAM WITH NICOLA Symphony Hall, B’ham Live, Birmingham BENEDETTI Also featuring Mirga HE IS WE Tues 26 June, Gražinyt -Tyla (conductor) & the JIVE TALKIN’ PERFORM The Asylum, B’ham CBSO Youth Chorus (27 June only). THE BEE GEES Fri 29 ė Programme includes works by Comedy OCEANS ATE ALASKA June, The Bramall, Stravinsky, Shostakovich & Lithua- Tues 26 June, Mama Birmingham FLIGHT OF THE CONCHORDS Tues 26 Roux's, Birmingham nian folk songs, Wed 27 - Thurs 28 June, Genting Arena, Birmingham DEVIL IN DORIAN Fri 29 June, Symphony Hall, Birmingham BOOTLEG BLONDIE Wed June, Route 44, B’ham DANE BAPTISTE, RAY BADRAN & COM- 27 June, The Robin, COMMUTER CONCERT: PENELOPE APP- EDY CAROUSEL WITH ANDY ROBINSON THE MANFREDS Fri 29 Bilston LEYARD WITH FLORISMA ENSEMBLE Thurs 28 June, The Glee Club, Birm- June, Lichfield Garrick Also featuring Michelle Holloway ingham GABIDDON Wed 27 THE KILKENNYS Fri 29 (recorders), Gail Hennessy (baroque June, The Jam House, ANGELA BARNES & MITCH BENN Thurs June, The Core The- RUST FOR GLORY Sat 30 oboe), Marta López (harpsichord), Birmingham 28 June, MAC, Birmingham atre, Solihull June, Route 44, B’ham Aileen Henry (triple harp) & Henry H2O Wed 27 June, Buckoke (baroque cello), Thurs 28 DANE BAPTISTE, RAY BADRAN, KIRI THE HIGH TONES Sat 30 KATE VOEGELE AND Mama Roux's, B’ham June, Recital Hall, Royal Birmingham PRITCHARD-MCLEAN & GEORGE EGG Fri June, The Night Owl, TYLER HILTON Sat 30 29 - Sat 30 June, The Glee Club, DEL CAMINO Thurs 28 Conservatoire Birmingham June, O2 Academy, Birmingham June, The Jam House, HESPÈRION XXI - ODE TO SYRIA Jordi DIG? Sat 30 June, The Birmingham Birmingham Savall and the spectacular Hes- RICH WILSON, PETER BRUSH, CAREY Night Owl, B’ham TREMONTI Sat 30 June, MARX & JULIAN DEANE Sat 30 June, BONGZILLA Thurs 28 pèrion XXI play for Syria, in music ASHEN CROWN Sat 30 O2 Institute, B’ham The Comedy Loft, Birmingham June, The Asylum, that crosses cultures and centuries, June, O2 Academy, THE SHEEPDOGS Sat 30 Birmingham Fri 29 June, Birmingham Town Hall Birmingham June, The Actress & SKIDS Thurs 28 June, ROYAL BIRMINGHAM CONSERVATOIRE TOMMY BLAIZE Sat 30 Bishop, Birmingham The Robin, Bilston SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA Featuring June, Pizza Express Barry Wordsworth (conductor - pictured). Programme includes works Theatre by Michael Wolters & Stravinsky, Fri THE LADYBOYS OF BANGKOK: WONDER 29 June, Concert Hall, Royal Birm- WOMEN TOUR Cabaret show celebrat- ingham Conservatoire ing a host of female icons, Mon 25 June, Artrix, Bromsgrove OH! WHAT A LOVELY WAR Blue Orange Theatre’s Adult Acting Devising & Performance Group perform Joan Littlewood's satirical masterpiece, Tues 26 - Wed 27 June, The Blue Or- ange Theatre, Birmingham REVOLVING DOOR Play about male sui- cide that tells the story of a young gay man distressed about the state of the world, Tues 26 - Wed 27 June, Old Joint Stock Theatre, Birmingham The Kilkennys - The Core, Solihull CHITTY, CHITTY, BANG, BANG Amateur

whatsonlive.co.uk 65 The List Birmingham Mon 25 - Sat 30 June.qxp_Layout 1 23/05/2018 11:17 Page 3

thelist Monday 25 - Saturday 30 June staging presented by BMOS, Tues 26 - Sat 30 June, New Alexandra The- atre, Birmingham Kids Shows THOROUGHLY MODERN MILLIE Tony MONSTERSAURUS Energetic show for Award-winning musical based on the younger audiences, packed with 1967 film of the same name. Corona- ‘thrills, spills, magic, mayhem, origi- tion Street and Emmerdale actress nal music and plenty of audience par- Hayley Tamaddon stars, Tues 26 - Sat ticipation’, Sat 30 June, Lichfield 30 June, Wolverhampton Grand The- Garrick atre MISCHIEF MOVIE NIGHT: THE IMPRO- VISED MOVIE LIVE ON STAGE The team behind the award-winning comedy The Play That Goes Wrong present Talks an improvised movie live on stage, CAITLIN MORAN LIVE: HOW TO BE FA- Tues 26 June - Sun 1 July, The MOUS Caitlin describes her show as Patrick Centre, Birmingham Hippo- an excuse ‘to dress up, gather to- drome gether with likeminded people and RISE & SHINE Mixed bill of work from laugh your head off on cider’, Thurs BOA's Year 12 Musical Theatre Path- 28 June, Birmingham Town Hall way, Wed 27 - Thurs 28 June, The Old Rep Theatre, Birmingham Monstersaurus - Lichfield Garrick HIGH SCHOOL MUSICAL Amateur stag- BIRD OF DUSK (U) Documentary. Q&A ing presented by Sutton Coldfield's with Director. Foreign language, sub- Brit Youth Theatre, Thurs 28 - Sat 30 Film titled. MAC, Birmingham, Wed 27 Events June, Crescent Theatre, Birmingham INDEPENDENT LISTINGS: June CASTLE TOURS 2018 Learn more about MACBETH Outdoor staging of the THE POST (15) Biography/Drama. 102 NOT OUT (PG) Comedy/Drama. Dudley Castle, Thurs 28 June, Dud- Bard’s bloodiest play, Thurs 28 June Starring Meryl Streep, Tom Hanks. Starring Amitabh Bachchan, Rishi ley Castle - Sat 14 July, Stafford Castle Stourbridge Town Hall, Mon 25 June Kapoor. Foreign language, subtitled. THE CREATIVE CRAFT SHOW The latest THE TEMPEST The Lord Chamberlain’s LET THE SUNSHINE IN (15) MAC, Birmingham, Thurs 28 June supplies, ideas and innovations in the Men present an outdoor staging of Comedy/Drama. Starring Juliette VILLAGE ROCKSTARS (U) Drama. Star- hobby world, Fri 29 June - Sun 1 July, Shakespeare’s tale of illusion and re- Binoche, Xavier Beauvois. Foreign ring Bhanita Das, Basanti Das. Q&A NEC, Birmingham venge, Fri 29 June, Winterbourne language, subtitled. MAC, Birming- with Director. Foreign language, sub- House & Garden, Birmingham FOLLIES FEST Live music and family ham, Mon 25 - Tues 26 June titled. MAC, Birmingham, Thurs 28 activities, Fri 29 June - Sun 1 July, REX THE KING Wassail Theatre Com- MARLINA THE MURDERER IN FOUR ACTS June Hawkstone Park & Follies, Weston- pany tell the story of a Somerset (15) Drama/Thriller. Starring Egy EATEN BY LIONS (12a) Comedy. Star- under-Redcastle, Nr Shrewsbury darts champion who ruled the world - Fedly, Dea Panendra. Foreign lan- ring Antonio Aakeel, Jack Carroll. but lost it all, Fri 29 - Sat 30 June, Old TENBURY MUSIC FESTIVAL Featuring guage, subtitled. MAC, Birmingham, Q&A with Director. MAC, Birming- Joint Stock Theatre, Birmingham The Lightning Seeds, Sat 30 June, Mon 25 - Wed 27 June ham, Thurs 28 June The Burgage, Tenbury, Worcester- EMMA Jane Austen's famous tale THE GUERNSEY LITERARY & POTATO ON CHESIL BEACH (12a) Drama/Ro- shire about the perils of misconstrued ro- PEEL PIE SOCIETY (12a) Drama/History. mance. Starring Saoirse Ronan, mance, Sat 30 June - Sun 1 July, BANKS'S BLACK COUNTRY BEERS Try Starring Lily James, Michael Huis- Emily Watson. Artrix, Bromsgrove, Fri Castle Bromwich Hall Gardens, Birm- Banks’s finest ales and meet the man. Artrix, Tues 26 June 29 June ingham brewer and owner of Banks's Brew- THREE AND A HALF (12a) Drama. Star- ery, Sat 30 June, Black Country Liv- EQUUS The Crescent Theatre Com- ring Zoya Hussain, Jim Sarbh. Q&A ing Museum, Dudley pany presents Peter Shaffer's psy- with Director. Foreign language, sub- chological 'detective' story, Sat 30 STEP BACK TO THE 1940S All aboard for titled. MAC, Birmingham, Tues 26 June - Sat 7 July, Crescent Theatre, a Severn Valley Railway train journey June Birmingham back in time to the 1940s, Sat 30 June - Sun 1 July, Severn Valley Rail- way, Bewdley, Nr Kidderminster WAR OF THE ROSES LIVE The War of the Roses unfolds in a new live action show, complete with stunt riders, SICARIO: SOLDADO (15) Action/Crime. jousting and state-of-the-art special Starring Josh Brolin, Isabela Moner. effects! Sat 30 June - Sun 1 July, Electric Cinema, Birmingham, from Warwick Castle Fri 29 June HALKAA (tbc) Drama/Family. Starring Paoli Dam, Ranvir Shorey. MAC, Birmingham, Sat 30 June

NEW FILMS ON GENERAL RELEASE: Released from Fri 29 June, showing at selected cinemas ADRIFT (tbc) LEAVE NO TRACE (PG) PATRICK (PG) SICARIO 2: SOLDADO (15) Thoroughly Modern Millie - Wolverhampton Grand Theatre THE BOOK SHOP (PG)

66 whatsonlive.co.uk Compton Verney F/P June 2018.qxp_Layout 1 23/05/2018 10:34 Page 1 Digbeth Arena F/P June 2018.qxp_Layout 1 23/05/2018 10:40 Page 1